David Friess, Illinois State Representative for 115th District | Official Website
David Friess, Illinois State Representative for 115th District | Official Website
A scour hole first discovered in 2010 has expanded and now threatens the Stringtown Levee system in Monroe County’s Bottoms region. Illinois State Representative David Friess is calling on Governor JB Pritzker to direct the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to deploy resources and secure funding to address what he describes as a critical infrastructure emergency.
On August 12, 2025, Rep. Friess and State Senator Terri Bryant sent a letter to Governor Pritzker urging immediate state action and collaboration with local officials to prevent catastrophic flooding. The lawmakers requested state funding and coordination with state and local authorities.
“A failure at this location will be disastrous,” said Rep. Friess. “It will threaten Monroe, Randolph, and nearby counties. Lives, homes, and farms will be in immediate danger. This is no longer a question of if the levee will fail, but when. The Governor has the authority to direct IEMA to act and to secure the necessary funding–we need him to do both, and to do it now.”
The scour hole has grown more than 15 feet deep near the base of the levee. Officials warn that if the levee fails, over 45,000 acres of land and more than 500 homes could flood, causing estimated damages between $150 million and $300 million. Repairing the scour hole now would cost an estimated $3 million to $5 million.
Rep. Friess’s office is working with Monroe County Emergency Management, local officials, IEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and federal partners for coordinated response efforts.
Friess was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 115th House District in 2023 after replacing Nathan Reitz.
Residents seeking information about the levee can contact their elected officials or reach Rep. Friess’ district office at 618-282-7284.
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