Illinois EPA invests over $66 million in water infrastructure projects

(UI) — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has recently announced a substantial investment of more than $66 million in various water infrastructure projects for the first half of Fiscal Year 2024 (July - December 2023).

This funding, facilitated through low-interest loans, is aimed at supporting local governments and water districts in their efforts to enhance wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water systems.

The State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program, administered by the Illinois EPA, is instrumental in providing these low-interest loans. The funds, amounting to over $66 million, will play a crucial role in addressing critical needs in the state's water infrastructure.

The SRF includes two key loan programs: the Water Pollution Control Loan Program, which finances wastewater and stormwater projects, and the Public Water Supply Loan Program, specifically designed for drinking water projects. Both programs offer loans at a low interest rate of just 1.81% for State FY24.

The recent announcement highlights the Illinois EPA's commitment to supporting communities in updating or replacing outdated water infrastructure, ensuring clean water, and promoting a healthier environment. Director John J. Kim emphasized the significance of these programs, enabling communities in Illinois to take significant steps in addressing water infrastructure challenges.

One notable aspect of the investment is the allocation of over $4.6 million in loan forgiveness to recipients who meet the loan rules for either the Small Community Rate or Hardship Rate. This financial support demonstrates a commitment to assisting communities facing economic challenges.

Here are some of the key projects funded during July - December 2023 (FY24-Q1 & Q2):

Bond and Madison County - Village of Pierron:
The Village will rehabilitate the interior and exterior of two water storage tanks with new coatings, extending their useful life. The project received $599,867 with $299,933.50 in principal forgiveness.

Christian County - Village of Kincaid:
The first phase of a three-phase project will include installing Variable Frequency Drives for pump stations, upgrading lighting, installing an aeration system for the Sewer Treatment Plant (STP), and conducting tests to determine sewer system upgrades. The project received $1.2 million with $362,010.00 in principal forgiveness.

Cook County - Metropolitan Water Reclamation District:

1. The district will use $14,000,000 for phosphorus removal modifications to Battery D and its tanks, enhancing biological phosphorus removal.
2. Another $15,500,000 will go towards replacing three existing steam boilers with co-fire digester and natural gas boilers. Both projects aim to meet environmental requirements.

Henderson County - Village of Oquawka:
The Village is improving its water system with a multi-phase project, including replacing water service lines, water meters, and meter pits. The $879,564.40 project includes $439,782.20 in principal forgiveness.

Jefferson County - City of Mount Vernon:

A project, costing $3.2 million, will see the installation of over 23,000 linear feet of water main, ranging from 4 inches to 12 inches in diameter.

Kane County - Village of Pingree Grove:
The Village will construct a new wastewater treatment plant, doubling the existing flow from 1 million gallons per day (MGD) to 2 MGD, while improving treated effluent quality to meet phosphorous limits. The $21.9 million project is designed to serve Pingree Grove's expected growth over the next 20 years.

Lawrence County - South Lawrence Water Corporation:
The corporation will install two new pumps for booster pump station (BPS) #2, a new BPS for an interconnect with Bridgeport, new BPS #1 with two pumps, piping, valves, and installation of watermain. The $1.5 million project includes $754,744.43 in principal forgiveness.

Madison County - Village of Marine:
The Village will line sanitary sewers with cured-in-place pipe, conduct sanitary sewer and lateral point repairs, manhole lining, and other appurtenances costing $1. 3 million.

Warren County - City of Monmouth:
The City will construct a UV disinfection system, launder covers for the secondary clarifiers, and appurtenances. The $2.5 million project includes $746,649 in principal forgiveness.

Washington County - Village of Irvington:
The Village will sandblast and repaint the interior and exterior of the 100,000-gallon water storage tank, integrating safety improvements.

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