Rep. Bost Announces Local Public Safety & Infrastructure Projects

“Part of good government is ensuring the health and safety of the people we represent,” said Bost. “These investments will help ensure families have access to safe drinking water, firefighters can train more effectively, and first responders have the modern facilities they need to protect lives and property. I’m proud to have worked with our local leaders to make these projects a reality.”

Funding will support construction of a state-of-the-art training facility designed to simulate real-world fire scenarios in modern residential structures. The facility will improve readiness and hands-on training for firefighters serving a 230-square-mile district across multiple towns and rural areas.

The project will replace approximately 2,500 feet of aging cast iron and asbestos cement water mains with new PVC piping. This investment will enhance water safety, reliability, and overall system performance for residents.

Funding will help the department replace its 25-year-old platform ladder truck with a modern, state-of-the-art vehicle. The new truck will improve firefighting and rescue capabilities, particularly for vulnerable populations in multi-story residential and healthcare facilities.

The City of Effingham also announced the project:

On November 12th, President Trump signed funding legislation that included projects requested by Congressman Mike Bost. Included in those projects is $700,000 to the City of Effingham Fire Department for partial funding of a new ladder truck. The City of Effingham will fund the balance of the project.  

The $700,000 funded by Congressman Bost is a substantial investment in the project, and will significantly further the goal of Fire Department and City administrators to replace the current, aging ladder truck and continue to provide excellent fire protection for the City.  

“We appreciate the collaboration of Congressman Bost and his staff on this project. The funding will reduce the tax burden on the residents of Effingham and expedite the timeline of the ladder truck project”, said Mayor Mike Schutzbach.

(For more information, contact City Administrator Steve Miller at 217-342-5300-5314 or Fire Chief Brant Yochum at 217-342-2555.)