Press Release - Tuesday, October 25, 2005
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Gov. Blagojevich announces $1,947,070 Opportunity Returns funding for Yorkville treatment plant
SPRINGFIELD --- Governor Rod Blagojevich announced today that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has approved a $1,947,070 public water supply loan, which will enable the Kendall County city of Yorkville to provide a more effective water treatment system.
The project consists of the construction of a new water treatment plant and necessary equipment including a well house, treatment building including surge and water tanks, chemical feed, brine and wastewater pumps to remove radium in the water supply from existing Wells 3 and 4 in order to comply with IEPA radium requirements.
The city's original downtown area and residential district receives water from Wells 3 and 4, which is not treated and is in violation of the Radionuclide Compliance Commitment with the IEPA.
The project will provide the necessary water treatment facilities in order to provide clean, safe water that is adequate in quantity and quality for the original downtown area and residential district, as well as for the 20-year planning period.
The funding for the project is being provided through the IEPA as part of Opportunity Returns, the Governor's comprehensive, pro-active economic development plan for the Southwestern region.
"Opportunity Returns" is critical to our state's economic future, and funding infrastructure improvements are an integral part of the program," said Governor Blagojevich. "With these loans, communities such as the United City of Yorkville can provide necessary services to its citizens, as well to existing and potentially new businesses. By working together, we will continue doing all we can to help Yorkville and the Southwestern region reach its economic potential."
The loan from the IEPA is part of the Agency's revolving loan program that utilizes federal and state funding to provide loans for eligible drinking water and wastewater treatment projects at half the market interest rate. Interest paid on the 20-year loans is returned to the fund to support other low interest loans.
"It is through this state and federal partnership that we are able to address the infrastructure needs of our communities," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. "I am appreciative of the efforts of Illinois' congressional delegation for proposing enhanced funding for the State Revolving Fund and for new grant funding."
"This low-interest loan helps Yorkville take timely action to address the naturally-occurring radium in its water supply," said State Rep. Pat Lindner, R-Aurora.
"Financing such as this is critical for communities facing mandates to reduce radium in their drinking water," said State Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora.
Due to Illinois' critical need for safe drinking water and effective treatment systems, Governor Blagojevich has demanded that the federal government fully subsidize the State Revolving Fund, which is 80 percent federally-funded. Since the Clean Water Act was passed more than 30 years ago, the federal government's funding for clean water infrastructure has decreased by 70 percent. This year's federal budget proposal would leave many local communities without the resources to complete the necessary infrastructure improvements necessary to protect public health and promote economic development.
The Opportunity Returns regional economic development plan is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois' history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn't work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions - finding areas with common economic strengths and needs, and developing a plan with specific actions for each region. This grassroots effort is a product of significant outreach over several months with business, civic and labor leaders, and elected officials. Opportunity Returns contains tangible actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to business.
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