January 23, 2026

Casten secures $9 million for local projects

U.S. Congressman Sean Casten, D-Downers Grove, has secured more than $9 million in federal funding for local projects in Illinois’ 6th Congressional District through government funding bills.

“From replacing water mains to ensure access to clean water to fixing parking lots at local parks and ensuring kids have spaces for physical education at school, these projects will improve day-to-day lives for folks in communities across the 6th Congressional District,” Casten said. “I’m incredibly proud to have brought more than $9 million back to the 6th District and look forward to getting back to work on securing the next round of Community Funding Projects.”

Casten selected the items as part of his Community Funding Projects for fiscal year 2026. The legislation is expected to soon receive consideration in the Senate and become law.

Projects receiving federal funding are:

  • $2 million to replace the existing Metra station in Glen Ellyn, and includes a pedestrian underpass
  • $250,000 for a new public works facility in Countryside
  • $250,000 for water main improvements in Lombard
  • $250,000 for a water main replacement in Crestwood
  • $302,500 for construction and rehabilitation to fix cracked concrete and flood-prone areas for the Worth Park District
  • $500,000 for a permeable paver parking lot at Ty Warner Park in Westmont
  • $500,000 for the Regional Source Water Project at the DuPage Water Commission
  • $500,000 to improve the main pump stations in Palos Park
  • $600,000 for solar panels and energy-efficient windows at group homes at the DuPage County Health Department
  • $850,000 for water main replacement in Willowbrook
  • $850,000 to improve wastewater treatment at the Salt Creek Sanitary District
  • $1 million to build an artificial turf field at Sutherland Elementary School in Chicago
  • $1.2 million for the rehabilitation of reservoirs in Palos Hills

Earlier this month, Casten secured funding for two additional Community Funding Projects:

  • $950,000 for research equipment at Elmhurst University
  • $1 million to ensure Northwestern Community Hospital and Palos Heights residents have a secondary water source should the primary source become compromised.

By:  Chronicle Media