$7M in Repairs Needed for Cairo Housing Units

A new report says it will cost more than $7 million to make two apartment complexes operated by a troubled Southern Illinois public housing authority suitable for residents.

The Southern Illinoisan reports an analysis of the Alexander County Housing Authority properties in Cairo found sewage is backing up into parking areas and an aggressive mold problem. There also are problems with rodents and a lack of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The analysis says the housing authority doesn't have access to the money needed to make the repairs.

U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk and Congressman Mike Bost have called for a federal investigation after an earlier review revealed former housing authority employees misused funds while neglecting properties.

About 229 families live in the housing complexes.

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