Casten sets proposed funding for Sutherland
On May 16, U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-6th) announced his Community Funding Projects for the 2025 fiscal year, and Sutherland Elementary School in Beverly could be receiving a major upgrade in the next year.
In total, Casten proposed 15 projects that would bring more than $40 million in federal funding to the Chicago area, including $1 million to Sutherland, 10015 S. Leavitt St.
The funding would be used to build an artificial turf field at Sutherland. The project would also include stormwater systems beneath the surface that would filter rainwater into the storm sewer systems and decrease flooding near the school.
Currently, Sutherland has a grass field on the south side of its campus, and Sutherland Principal Meg Burns said the proposed project would be a welcomed upgrade.
“We have been working ever since I got here to get some assistance in improving our grounds because Sutherland’s space is a community space and we welcome our community to use it,” said Burns who was named principal in September 2017. “It’s used very heavily by the neighbors and children. We want to make sure it’s a nice inviting space, not just for our students but also for our families in the surrounding area. We’re really happy about it.”
The current field, according to Burns, is maintained by the school’s foundation and green team.
“We have a really robust sports program that is run by our parents,” said Burns. “Our parents run a Sutherland Soccer League that engages all of the area.”
Casten said the installation of the turf field will benefit the entire community.
“Incorporating sustainable green infrastructure and spaces in the city of Chicago, using artificial turf, would benefit the residents of District 6,” Casten said in a news release. “The outdoor spaces at Sutherland are heavily utilized by students and the community for a wide range of activities. A turf field provides multiple benefits to the community.”
Casten said the 15 proposed projects throughout the district will, among other benefits, improve health care education, improve solar power infrastructure, update transportation services and provide clean drinking water.
Other projects include renovations to the Emergency Operations Center in Tinley Park, replacement of the existing Metra commuter station in downtown Glen Ellyn, reconstruction and rehabilitation of a park in the Worth Park District and improving the Salt Creek Sanitary District wastewater treatment plant for the village of Villa Park.
“After an extremely competitive community project submission process, I’m proud to advocate for funding for projects that will do so much to improve the lives of folks in the 6th Congressional District,” said Casten. “From keeping our water clean and modernizing our infrastructure and education systems to investing in clean-energy projects and ensuring resilience against floods and stormwater damage, these projects will do so much for our community.”
Casten is advocating for the inclusion of these projects as part of the federal FY 2025 omnibus government funding package. In the 2024 government funding package, Casten secured more than $11 million in project funding for the district.
Source: Beverly Review