Galesburg officials have been under scrutiny for the past two weeks since an Associated Press investigation revealed high lead levels in Knox County kids under the age of six.
Republican Representatives Don Moffitt and Norine Hammond have applauded Galesburg’s speedy response to the issue, but admit that acknowledging the problem is only the first step.
Moffitt tells WGIL any government assistance is likely to come from the federal level.
“I don’t know if there’s anything additional that we can get from the state,” Moffitt says. “Funds are tight; that’s excuse. We need to protect the safety of people.
Democratic Senator John Sullivan says the problem stems from aging infrastructure.
“This issue is perhaps a way to help the General Assembly move forward and try to come up with an infrastructure bill to fund the replacement of water lines and sewer lines and roads and bridges, as well,” Sullivan says.
Democratic Congresswoman Cheri Bustos has chided Galesburg for not doing enough to address lead believed to be seeping into drinking water from old water lines. Bustos, who has sponsored legislation to bring federal money to places like Galesburg to replace lead pipes, announced yesterday the launch of a watchdog task force to investigate lead levels in the 17th District.
Last week, Republican candidate Patrick Harlan, who is running for Bustos’ seat, criticized his opponent for “pushing a scare tactic” and bringing negative publicity to Galesburg.
