Mayor Seeks More Federal Funds

Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia met with U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9th) Monday to ask for federal money to help fund a variety of potential projects in Des Plaines. The two elected officials, along with some staff members, met in Chicago.

According to Arredia, he had a shopping list of needs he asked Schakowsky to help him with in securing funding. Among the topics are infrastructure projects, back yard flood relief, Homeland Security, and the planned new police and fire stations.

"I'm hoping to get some money," said Arredia. He explained that the list he presented Schakowsky never changes because little, if any, federal money has been attracted.

Arredia said he is hoping to garner some financial help so the city can pay for a program to install storm sewers in some back yards where it frequently floods. He is also hoping that federal funds can be freed for "public safety" purposes to help fund new police and fire facilities.