EPA allocates $39 million for Bloomington and Normal, Ill., wastewater infrastructure upgrade
(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has earmarked a $39 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan for the Bloomington and Normal Water Reclamation District in central Illinois.
This funding injection is aimed at fortifying the district’s Wastewater System Modernization and Rehabilitation Program, crucial for bolstering public health safeguards and environmental sustainability while spurring economic advancement.
Bruno Pigott, Acting Assistant Administrator for Water at the EPA, emphasized the significance of investing in water infrastructure, highlighting it as a pivotal step towards community prosperity. 'Through our WIFIA program and the unprecedented funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is committed to enhancing water accessibility and safety, crucial for residents, schools, and businesses,' Pigott remarked.
The modernization initiative of the Bloomington and Normal Water Reclamation District targets the enhancement of wastewater systems serving over 130,000 residents. The program encompasses the rehabilitation of wastewater treatment plants and conveyance systems to align with environmental standards, bolster system resilience, and curtail combined sewer overflows. By transitioning backup generators to natural gas and implementing solar power generation, the district anticipates a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs alongside air quality enhancements. Furthermore, a comprehensive study will be conducted to identify sources of PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” aiming to mitigate their discharge into local water bodies.
Tim Ervin, Executive Director of the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District, underscored the district’s dedication to safeguarding public health and the environment. He lauded the WIFIA program's role in expediting infrastructure renovation to meet or surpass NPDES permit standards. Ervin expressed gratitude to Senators Duckworth and Durbin for their support, highlighting the anticipated benefits for future generations in Central Illinois.
The loan is projected to yield savings of $10 million and create approximately 250 employment opportunities. Notably, it marks the first WIFIA loan under a master agreement committing $157 million to accelerate the rehabilitation of the district’s wastewater system.
The EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program has been instrumental in channeling over $20 billion in financing to back more than $43 billion worth of water infrastructure projects. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in fortifying drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while contributing to the creation of over 140,000 jobs.
This move aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to investing in America’s infrastructure, as evidenced by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enacted in November 2021. With projects funded by this law gaining momentum nationwide, communities are poised to address legacy pollution, upgrade water infrastructure, and fortify resilience against climate change impacts.
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