(The Center Square) – In just the past few months, the deterioration of Lincoln’s New Salem in Petersburg, Illinois, has gotten worse. Advocates are demanding state taxpayer funds for much needed repairs.
A tour of the Rutledge Camron Saw and Grist Mill in Petersburg Monday showed continued deterioration. New Salem Lincoln League Board President Gina Gillmore-Wolter said the facility and the pedestrian overpass bridge are beyond disrepair.
“There are boards missing that have fallen down on the highway below it,” she said. “Some of the steel girders don’t even touch the concrete pads that support it. They’ve shoved 2X4 shims in there that are rotting and falling out.”
Roof overhangs of the Trent Brothers building have completely collapsed. Another historic structure, the Hill’s Carding Mill has part of the roof missing. The deterioration has gotten worse since December. But, someone is taking note. Gilmore-Wolter said debris from the carding was cleaned up over the weekend.
State Sen. Steve McClure is amending his bills to increase the amount of taxpayer funds from $5 million to $19 million. He’s unsure how that figure was calculated and that’s why he’s also aiming to create a commission for the site.
“It goes to the issue that we have when we’re trying to figure out how much money to put into capital bills, we don’t know the exact amount at this moment and that’s why the commission is so important,” McClure said.
One thing that could increase the price is the intricate craftsmanship legislators said will be needed.
“Either spend less money now or spend much more money later,” McClure said. “And by the way if we wait until later, it’s going to continue to embarrass our state when tourists come here from all over the world to see these sites.”
Legislators said it’s hard to tell if the site will get the funding they say is needed while balancing the capital spending elsewhere through the state with tight state finances.
