VENICE: Budzinski Meets with Terminal Rail to Discuss Proposed Bi-State Projects in St. Louis Metro Area

<p><strong>VENICE, IL</strong>&nbsp;– Today,&nbsp;<strong>Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13)&nbsp;</strong>and&nbsp;<strong>Congressman Wesley Bell (MO-01)&nbsp;</strong>met with the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis and Bi-State Development to discuss proposed bi-state infrastructure projects in the St. Louis Metro Area. These projects, which Congresswoman Budzinski has previously supported, have yet to receive the necessary funding to move forward.</p>

<p>This meeting comes at a critical time, as concerns mount over the Department of Transportation&#8217;s recent decision to pause infrastructure funding and introduce controversial new guidelines. These guidelines prioritize funding for communities with higher fertility and marriage rates, a shift that could significantly impact the Metro East region’s ability to secure essential infrastructure investments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Today’s meeting with Congressman Bell, Terminal Rail and Bi-State Development reaffirmed the role infrastructure investments play in fostering economic growth in the Metro East, as well as ensuring the safety of our roads, bridges, and railways,” said&nbsp;<strong>Congresswoman Budzinski.&nbsp;</strong>“The need for these investments is widespread, yet the Trump Administration’s new guidelines prioritize future investments based on a community&#8217;s fertility and marriage rates—an approach that ignores safety and community needs. The idea that federal infrastructure funds should be allocated according to family structure is absurd. As we look ahead, I will continue fighting in Congress to safeguard the investments already promised and work with Congressman Bell to push for the infrastructure projects the Metro East urgently needs.”</p>

<p>“I have always said that the St. Louis region is a sleeping giant,” said&nbsp;<strong>Congressman Bell.</strong>&nbsp;“Bi-State projects are critical to enhancing the safety and efficiency of our rail and port infrastructure, while also ensuring that our communities will benefit from good paying jobs. I will continue to support transportation infrastructure projects that help the region grow.”</p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2007" height="768" src="https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/budzinski.house.gov/uploads/2025/02/IMG_0464-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" /></figure>

<p class="has-text-align-center">###</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/venice-budzinski-meets-with-terminal-rail-to-discuss-proposed-bi-state-projects-in-st-louis-metro-area">VENICE: Budzinski Meets with Terminal Rail to Discuss Proposed Bi-State Projects in St. Louis Metro Area</a> appeared first on <a href="https://budzinski.house.gov">Nikki Budzinski</a>.</p>