SR0981 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0981 LRB102 27228 LAW 38887 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The portion of Cahokia Heights formerly known as Centreville is a community in St. Clair County with a population of almost 5,000 residents; and

WHEREAS, According to the latest census data, the population of this area is 93% African-American, and the average household income is $32,595; and

WHEREAS, Since the 1980s, pump stations designed to pump sewage away from homes and neighborhoods in Centreville have barely functioned, with moderate rainfall often leading to raw sewage flooding streets and homes; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, the Illinois EPA ruled that the Harding Ditch, which drains the flood plain on which Centreville sits, contained hazardous levels of fecal coliform; and

WHEREAS, Many residents of the Centreville community have requested that the State of Illinois and U.S. Government declare an environmental health crisis, as numerous residents suffer from health issues due to the unsanitary conditions; and

WHEREAS, The situation in Centreville is an example of why appropriate steps are needed to advance environmental justice and eradicate systemic racism in public policy and all areas; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency, the St. Clair County Public Health Department, the St. Clair County Public Works Department, and all other local officials to continue to work collaboratively to direct the necessary resources to the community formerly known as Centreville to address this pressing human rights issue in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the aforementioned units of local and federal government, the Office of the Governor, all members of the General Assembly, and the St. Clair County Board.