CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill — The Bi-State saw a lot of rain last week, especially in the Metro East. For one St. Clair County community, last week's flooding just adds to a problem they've faced for years.
Residents in Cahokia Heights continue to deal with flooding and raw sewage because of failing sewer lines. That's why neighbors and local leaders are fighting to get this decades-long problem fixed.
Kenna Mosby has lived in Cahokia Heights for over 25 years.
"All we are asking for is help us fix this and stop this water," she said.
Like many who call Cahokia Heights home, Mosby is tired of dealing with the aftermath, every time rain hits her community.
"My basement, everything was just flowing. It's just flowing. It's like every time you look around," she said.
Just last August, researchers found parasitic and bacterial infections in people who live in Cahokia Heights. According to that research, it's all because of this flood-prone area lacking proper sewage systems.
"We got problems breathing from the water. This isn't the first time, we go through this all the time. We've been complaining, complaining, complaining," Mosby said.
Several leaders, including Representative Nikki Budzinski, are listening to those complaints.
"This is a very emotional issue. They are folks that are having flooding in their home, the flooding is not going away," she said.
That's why the congresswoman was out with the Army Corps of Engineers surveying the damage from Tuesday's massive flooding.
Even prior to this storm though, Rep. Budzinski has advocated for state and federal support.
"We've been in touch with the governor's office, we've been in touch actively with FEMA, since the storm to find out what we can do to really expedite the disaster declaration," she said.
Rep. Budzinski said that a disaster declaration is vital because it could unlock relief for all those residents dealing with damage.
"We're trying to show up. We're trying to hear from constituents, their direct concerns of the impact of this storm, and we're ready to take immediate action. I'm going to keep working relentlessly toward that," she said.
For residents, like Mosby, she's thankful for the leaders trying to help the neighborhood she loves and she's hopeful by working together change can happen.
"I just want them to stick to it and do it. I'm not here to fuss. I'm not here to argue. I just want the job done. That's all I ask," she said.
If you were impacted by the flooding in the St. Clair County area, Rep. Budzinski said to visit the county's website. You can fill out an assessment form and give specific details about your damages. Rep. Budzinski said from there, it can be included in disaster relief funds.