Mayor Tishaura O. Jones Signs St. Louis Infrastructure Bill, Joins Roundtable on Supporting Working Families and Youth with $250 Million from American Rescue Plan

Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, joined by Alderman Tom Oldenburg (16), Board of Public Service President Rich Bradley, and Director of Streets Betherny Williams, signed the St. Louis Infrastructure bill, an $86 million investment in repaving major streets, trimming trees, maintaining city recreation centers, providing additional lighting, and continuing upgrades to the City Justice Center.

“From repairing our roads to fixing our recreation centers, the St. Louis Infrastructure Bill will help the City deliver essential services to residents across St. Louis,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “I am grateful to the members of the Board of Aldermen, especially Ald. Tom Oldenburg, for working together to get this bill across the finish line. As we continue programming our first installment of the American Rescue Plan, we continue to engage the community around the second $250 million.”

“This bill represents a good day for local government and citizens. Investing in our City’s infrastructure is long overdue and an excellent use of ARPA funds,” said Ald. Tom Oldenburg.

Following the bill signing, Mayor Jones held a roundtable discussion with community leaders around the remaining $250 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding heading to the city. Discussing how St. Louis can seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support working families and youth, participants will talk about how they view COVID-19 has impacted their communities, their personal experiences, and discuss solutions for the next generation.

“A lot of families are struggling to get what they need,” said Kim Harris, a recipient of St. Louis’ Direct Cash Assistance program. “As a single mom, my children are my biggest priority, and this program helped pay utility bills and buy food for my family.”

Today’s roundtable was the second in a series, with two public town halls planned for later this month: May 11, 6pm - 8pm, at O&#’;Fallon Elementary School. Nearly 4,000 ARPA community needs surveys have been submitted to date, with May 20 the final day to submit.