CAIRO, Ill. (AP) – Two Illinois lawmakers want a federal investigation of a southern Illinois housing authority following reports of misused funds and substandard living conditions.

According to the Southern Illinoisan, U. S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Congressman Mike Bost sent a letter Friday to Housing Secretary Julian Castro. They want the Department of Housing and Urban Development to follow up on a 2014 review of the Alexander County Housing Authority.

The newspaper previously reported the review alleges questionable spending, including hundreds of thousands of dollars for generous salaries, benefits and travel.

The newspaper also found some properties are overrun by rodents and have issues with mold and garbage removal. Violence also is increasing.

Officials have hired an interim director to try to address the issues.

Alexander County is the poorest county in Illinois.

 

 

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