Click here for a printable version. I would like to thank Senator Dave Luectefeld and Representative Dan Rietz for working with IDOT engineers and the landowners near the bridge construction site on Routes 15 & 4 east of Fayetteville. I would also like to thank Prairie State Energy officials for assisting with funds for the bypass road project. If the bridge project went as originally planned, there could have been devastating consequences to anyone needing emergency services in the St. Libory and surrounding areas. EMS service, police protection, and mutual aid fire department assistance would have been immensely delayed since the only access to cross the Kaskaskia River other than at Fayetteville is on Route 13 in New Athens or on Route 177 near New Memphis. During inclimate weather when medical helicopters are unable to fly, the extra long route to a trauma hospital by ground would add 20-30 minutes of road travel. That is extremely valuable time for a patient in need of major emergency medical care. The project would have also put an economic strain on the village of St. Libory because of the loss of sales tax revenue generated by the businesses within the village and it would have been very inconvenient for many area residents commuting to their place of employment as well. Casey Trentman |
Prairie State Energy Campus
