Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $104,936,000 to Illinois from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Illinois communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.
“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering an unprecedented investment in America that will revitalize essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Not only will these funds expand access to clean water and safeguard the environment, but more underserved communities that have been left behind for far too long will be able to access them.”
“This second investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to accelerate upgrades of critical infrastructure, especially in communities that are overburdened by water challenges,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. "Everyone should have access to clean water. EPA is proud to partner with Illinois to maximize the benefits of these resources -- including modernized infrastructure and increased resiliency to climate impacts.”
“Every community deserves access to clean water resources and reliable water infrastructure, but this isn’t always the reality. When Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, our goal was to support additional water projects across the nation,” said Sen. Dick Durbin. “I’m glad to see a $104 million investment as a result of IIJA coming to Illinois to do just that—protecting both public health and the environment, especially in our frontline and vulnerable communities.”
“After successfully including my Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (DWWIA) in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I’m proud to help EPA announce this historic level of federal support to Illinois that will help upgrade, improve and repair water infrastructure throughout the state,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth. “Because of my DWWIA bill, I’m also pleased that a large portion of this funding will be available as grants and debt forgiveness to ensure these investments reach the most underserved communities and give all of our water systems this opportunity. Every Illinoisan should be confident that the systems carrying and processing the water they use every day are safe and reliable and this funding will help with that.”
“Every community deserves sustainable water infrastructure that prioritizes public health and protects the environment,” said Rep. Bill Foster. “That’s why I was proud to support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will provide $104 million for communities across Illinois to upgrade their wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. These projects will ensure Illinois has the resources it needs to preserve our lakes, rivers, and streams, and provide clean water for decades to come."
“I was proud to work alongside President Biden to deliver these essential infrastructure improvements to Illinois families,” said Rep. Robin Kelly. “Water infrastructure is the lifeblood of every community, and I am thrilled that the federal government is making the necessary investments to keep our neighborhoods and towns resilient and strong. I will continue to advocate for further investments and ensure that my constituents can continue to thrive.”
“I’ve heard from so many communities across the 14th District how water infrastructure challenges put the long-term health and viability of their communities at risk,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood. “I’m proud to have helped secure this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to invest in upgraded wastewater infrastructure, address sources of pollution, and protect public health across Illinois.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act continues to deliver key investments for Illinois,” said Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia. “A couple of months ago I met with residents of the Village of La Grange in my district where floods have been causing major damages. The funds announced today will help address urban flooding caused by outdated sewer systems that cannot cope with the amount of rain during a storm. These funds will help advance real solutions for the families that have been devastated by recurring floods.”
“I’m thrilled to see this investment in Illinois’ clean water from the EPA,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “This funding will support clean water infrastructure, modernize our stormwater systems, and provide safer water while creating good-paying jobs in our communities. For Illinoisans, clean water means healthier ecosystems and environmental resilience.”
“Every family deserves access to safe drinking water. But for too long, communities across Central and Southern Illinois have been living with dangerous and outdated water infrastructure,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski. “This long-awaited investment will bring $104 million to Illinois as we tackle critical water infrastructure projects in underserved communities like Cahokia Heights. I look forward to partnering with Sens. Durbin and Duckworth to replace lead pipes and ensure every home and business in our state has safe water.”
“With these critical funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we will be able to make significant upgrades to our water infrastructure across Central and Northwestern Illinois,” said Rep. Eric Sorensen. “This means greater access to safe and clean drinking water for working families while creating good-paying, sustainable jobs across our state.”
“This funding is an important contribution to Illinois EPA’s robust State Revolving Fund and a significant investment in Illinois’ drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure,” said Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim. “The funds will allow Illinois EPA to continue providing vital infrastructure funds to our communities, bringing long-term benefits to residents and the environment.”
Illinois has invested approximately $32 million to date in projects from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law CWSRF funding. Of the $32 million, $13 million was given out as principal forgiveness. Below are two CWSRF projects:
- Village of Stockton is planning to use $19.4 million of CWSRF traditional Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds. This is a two-phase project and will include the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant main building which will house the screening grit removal and sludge dewatering equipment, blowers and influent pumps. A flood wall will also be constructed to prevent the site from flooding. This project also received Principal Forgiveness of $5.0 million.
- City of Assumption is planning to use $7.7 million of CWSRF traditional Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds. The project consists of the Samuel Street trunk sewer separation on the northwest side of the city. This project also includes construction of the Leaf land pump station with two pumps, replacing 49 manholes, site restoration and appurtenances. The project also received Principal Forgiveness of $2.5 million.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.
In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.
The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cwsrf.
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