Governor Quinn Announces $5 Million Drinking Water Project in Franklin Park

FRANKLIN PARK - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $5.26 million investment to improve the drinking water systems in Franklin Park. Funded by a low-interest loan through Governor Quinn's Illinois Clean Water Initiative, the project will construct and replace water mains throughout the community, while creating numerous jobs for the area. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive Illinois' economy forward and protect the environment by modernizing Illinois' water infrastructure.

"This project will help Franklin Park improve their drinking water systems and ensure residents have access to clean water now and into the future," Governor Quinn said. "That's what our Clean Water Initiative is all about, helping make communities like Franklin Park even better places to live and work."

Franklin Park will use the $5.26 million Clean Water Initiative loan to construct approximately 4,500 feet of 16-inch diameter transmission mains between the Main Pump Station on W. Belmont Ave. and the King Street Pump Station. Also included in the project is the replacement of approximately 174,000 feet of old and deteriorating 4-inch and 6-inch diameter water mains with an 8-inch diameter water main in the Rueter and West Mannheim residential areas. Additional work includes water main replacement and rehabilitation within the Cullerton Industrial Area. The drinking water project is expected to last through spring 2016.

"We are grateful to Governor Pat Quinn for providing this program that allows municipalities to address their aging infrastructure," Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pedersen said. "This low-?interest loan lets us take immediate action to address these problems now at a reduced cost and without over burdening taxpayers. Once again, Governor Quinn is helping municipalities increase safety and enhance attractiveness, which facilitates business location and job creation in our community."

"Improving and upgrading these systems is essential for communities facing aging infrastructure that cannot continue to meet residents' needs," Illinois EPA Director Lisa Bonnett said. "The Illinois EPA is proud to partner with communities on these projects that are necessary for protecting residents and the environment."

Governor Quinn first launched the Illinois Clean Water Initiative in his 2012 State of the State Address to help local governments rebuild or repair clean water infrastructure, including aging wastewater and drinking water treatment systems and plants throughout the state. These projects ensure that facilities are being upgraded to protect our streams and rivers, our drinking water supplies and the environment as a whole. In July, Governor Quinn signed legislation that doubles the Clean Water Initiative funding to $2 billion and expands the program to include stormwater management and treatment projects.

According to the U.S. EPA, it is estimated the water infrastructure needs in Illinois over the next 20 years will total $32 billion, including $17 billion in wastewater projects (which is the 6th highest among the states) and $15 billion in drinking water projects (4th highest need in the nation). To date, more than $850 million in wastewater and drinking water loans have been awarded under the Illinois Clean Water Initiative.

To learn more about Governor Quinn's Illinois Clean Water Initiative, visit CleanWater.Illinois.gov.