SPRINGFIELD, IL – On October 6, State Representative David Friess filed HB4146, a measure to allocate
$5,000,000 from the Build Illinois Bond Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity (DCEO). The funds would be granted to Monroe County to support the construction,
improvements, and repairs of the Stringtown Levee.
This legislation follows ongoing efforts by Rep. Friess to address the longstanding issues surrounding the
levee and its deteriorating condition. The Stringtown Levee is crucial in protecting homes, farmland, and
infrastructure throughout the region.
“This is not just about infrastructure, it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods,” said Rep. Friess. “The
Stringtown Levee has been a vital line of defense for our communities for decades, and it’s high time the
state steps up to ensure it continues doing so safely and effectively.”
In recent months, Rep. Friess has collaborated with local officials, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and
state agencies to find solutions for repairing the levee. While federal funding efforts have slowed, HB4146 represents a decisive state-level action toward securing the resources needed to finish the work.
“Our residents in the bottom have waited long enough,” Friess continued. “We’ve seen promises made
and deadlines missed, but this bill puts real dollars on the table. We cannot afford more delays; the time
to act is now.”
Rep. Friess encourages local residents to contact their state legislators and support HB4146. Community
advocacy and bipartisan cooperation are essential to passing the bill and delivering the relief Monroe
County has been seeking.
If approved, HB4146 would become effective on July 1, 2026, ensuring Monroe County has the funding
necessary to start construction and repair efforts promptly.
For questions or media inquiries, residents should contact Rep. Friess’ District Office at 618.282.7284.