East St. Louis – As part of the historic $45 billion “Rebuild Illinois Capital Program” supported by State Senator Christopher Belt, the Metro East region is seeing two major investments: a new Public Safety Center at Emerson Park Transportation Center in East St. Louis and the new Southwestern Illinois College Manufacturing Training Apprenticeship Building in Belleville.
“It’s investments like these that will truly make a difference in our community,” said Rep. Belt (D-Swansea). “The Rebuild Illinois program will help make facilities like this a reality.”
The 16,000-square-foot Public Safety Center will include a 911 emergency call center, office space for St. Clair County Metrolink sheriff’s deputies and public restrooms. The $15 million project expands early intervention safety efforts, and Chestnut Health Systems will partner with St. Clair County Transit to launch a program to address mental health needs. Care teams are already in place to support riders with their mental health and housing needs, as well as provide advice on food and other assistance.
The SWIC Manufacturing Training Academy will provide training in programs such as industrial electrical, robotics and automated welding, precision machining intensives and EV technology, and the $15 million manufacturing facility will also enable SWIC to double its enrollment and develop new curriculum for a new age of manufacturing with a focus on sustainability and emerging industries.
