RED BUD — Illinois State Representative David Friess (R-Red Bud) is highlighting that repair work is now underway on the long-standing scour hole, bringing long-awaited relief to residents of the Bottoms in southern Monroe County and nearby Prairie du Rocher.
This progress follows recent approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and comes after months of concern for local families, farmers, and historic areas.
For months, Rep. Friess has pushed for action, introducing legislation and working directly with local
officials, engineers, and federal partners to secure a permanent fix. “Our communities have waited far
too long,” Friess said. “I’ve pressed this issue at every level of government, and I’m grateful to see work finally moving.”
Local officials reported that a retired civil engineer identified a practical, cost-effective solution using
material already on site. After review, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the plan, allowing work to begin immediately. Crews have begun repairs using equipment from Luhr Crosby Marine Contractors in Columbia.
Because the project relies entirely on existing sediment and material from the area, costs are expected
to stay well below earlier multimillion-dollar projections. The repair is anticipated to be completed
within the next month and will help protect thousands of acres of farmland, hundreds of homes, and key historic sites throughout the Bottoms.
Rep. Friess also acknowledged the collaboration that helped advance this effort. “I want to commend
Monroe County Public Safety Director Kevin Scheibe and all of our local partners who worked diligently to make this possible,” Friess said.
Despite repeated communication with state agencies, Rep. Friess was informed by a representative from the Governor’s Office that no funding was available to cover the repair costs. Friess expressed
frustration, noting the recent $20 million allocation for the SNAP program and stating, “SNAP is essential, it needed funding, and the Governor found it. The levee needs funding, so the Governor should find it as well. This is a moment when every level of government should be united in protecting our residents.”
Last month, Friess filed legislation which would appropriate the amount of $5,000,000 from the Build Illinois Bond Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant to Monroe County for costs associated with levee construction, improvements, and repairs.