Harrisburg, Eldorado mayors update Shimkus on infrastructure needs
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[U.S. Representative John Shimkus stopped in for a meeting with Harrisburg Mayor Eric Gregg and Eldorado Mayor Rocky James Friday morning at Gregg's office.
Shimkus was in the area for meetings at Norris City-Omaha-Enfield school and at Albion. His meeting with the local mayors was to discuss possibilities for federal help in funding upcoming projects for the towns. Since the Congressional redistricting, Shimkus is now representing all of Saline County. Prior districts had Eldorado represented by U.S. Rep. Timothy Johnson.
"As the mayors know we need to know what the plans are for economic development working with state and federal dollars," Shimkus said.
Gregg has goals of moving businesses into Arrowhead Point Shopping Center, new housing opportunities and to promote the Harrisburg-Eldorado Bike Path as a potential tourism draw.
"The bike path between here and Eldorado is one of the things Rocky and I would like to promote and other opportunities in the years ahead," Gregg said.
James said he knows Shimkus has an interest in Southern Illinois and hopes Eldorado can benefit from his influence since the city is now within Shimkus' district.
"We look forward to working with Congressman Shimkus. We haven't had a lot of luck other years," James said.
James goals are to find funding help for the $2 million in work needed for the sewer plant and for assistance into attracting new businesses into space at the old Scot Lad Building.
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DeNeal receives e-mail at bdeneal@yourclearwave.com.</li>
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