South suburbs need billions for repairs. Will the state help pay for them?

“What would you prioritize?” asked Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago. “What are the most immediate things that can be fixed?”

Sims hosted a Southland Capital Town Hall Monday at South Suburban College in South Holland. Dozens of municipal leaders, educators, social service providers and others from the region attended.

The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association has compiled a list of more than $3.5 billion in projects needed throughout the south suburbs.

Many projects address critical needs, such as safe roads and drinking water, said Kristi DeLaurentiis, SSMMA executive director.

“With the lack of infrastructure funding, we’re putting our citizenry at risk,” she said…Please click here to read Ted Slowik’s column in the Tribune/Daily Southtown.