The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has underscored the allocation of federal and state funding to Hazel Crest, Illinois, aimed at identifying and replacing lead service lines to prevent exposure to lead in drinking water. This initiative was highlighted during an event attended by EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore, Rep. Robin Kelly, Mayor Vernard L. Alsberry Jr., First Assistant Deputy Governor Shareese Pryor, and Illinois EPA Director John Kim.
“For far too long, our country has underinvested in our nation’s drinking water infrastructure,” said Shore. “Thanks to the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the United States is allocating a historic $50 billion in our nation’s water infrastructure, including lead service line replacements, to ensure clean, safe, reliable drinking water for every American.”
Hazel Crest is one of 123 initial partners in the White House's Get the Lead Out initiative announced in January 2023. The village has approved a resolution to remove all 2,700 lead service lines within its boundaries while prioritizing vulnerable residents.
“I was delighted to present $240 million in federal funding coming to Illinois to help advance lead service line replacement efforts in Hazel Crest,” stated Rep. Robin Kelly. “Thanks to President Joe Biden’s agenda to Invest in America, we can ensure our kids are drinking clean water.”
Funding received by Hazel Crest stems partly from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Recently, EPA announced more than $240 million in additional funding from this law for projects throughout Illinois.
During the event in Hazel Crest, officials met with residents and observed a lead service line replacement process. Lead exposure can result in serious health issues such as irreversible harm to brain development in children. President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe nationwide.
Mayor Vernard L. Alsberry Jr. expressed pride that Hazel Crest is part of the Get the Lead Out initiative: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore the infrastructure and foundation of the Village of Hazel Crest.”
First Assistant Deputy Governor Shareese Pryor emphasized that every community deserves access to safe drinking water: “Today’s event not only demonstrates President Biden’s commitment but also highlights federal funding received by Illinois for equitable identification and replacement of lead pipes statewide.”
Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim noted that "Lead service lines are a major obstacle for community water supplies," adding that initiatives like these provide critical funding for disadvantaged communities.
In May, EPA announced $3 billion from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda allocated through its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for identifying and replacing lead service lines nationwide.
President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $15 billion specifically for identifying and replacing lead service lines across the country with significant portions directed towards disadvantaged communities through grants and forgivable loans.
