March 02, 2020

Duckworth Statement on Governor Pritzker’s $40 Million Allocation for Cairo Port Project

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that his administration plans to dedicate $40 million in funding for the development of a river port in Cairo, Illinois:

“Ever since I arrived in the Senate, I’ve focused on not only holding accountable those responsible for creating the crises faced by Cairo’s residents, but also on helping rebuild the local community and generate economic growth in the region. I applaud Governor Pritzker for taking this important step toward realizing a Cairo port and look forward to continuing my work bringing officials and decision makers at all levels of government together to help revitalize this great and historic community.”

Duckworth has worked to address the challenges facing Cairo residents, hold those responsible for the Alexander County Housing Authority crisis accountable and improve the Cairo economy since being sworn into the Senate in 2017,  Duckworth has visited Cairo several times, secured a commitment from HUD Secretary Carson to visit and hear firsthand from residents and elevated the community’s needs to his attention during multiple meetings and calls. The City of Cairo presented Duckworth with their Service Award, recognizing her continuing efforts to help the Cairo community, protect Alexander County Housing Authority residents, bring accountability to wrongdoers and grow the region’s economy. She also introduced legislation last December to improve public housing oversight and transparency by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

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