Illinois EPA Approves Nearly $72 Million Low-Interest Loans to City of Joliet

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois EPA Director Alec Messina today announced an investment, totaling nearly $72 million, to improve the drinking water system, sanitary sewer system, reduce combined sewer overflows to the Des Plaines River and reduce phosphorus levels in wastewater discharges. The funding is provided through the Agency's State Revolving Fund, which promotes water quality benefits by financing cost-effective and environmentally sound wastewater and drinking water infrastructure improvements and other water resource projects.

"Through this program, we are able to partner with communities and provide necessary funds, at very low interest rates, to improve and upgrade existing infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for Joliet's residents" said Director Messina. "These projects will rehabilitate aging infrastructure and improve water quality, benefiting the community for decades to come."

The City of Joliet projects include:
              

• $38.3 million to fund the construction of a Wet Weather pumping station and treatment facility to reduce the occurrence of CSO's to the Des Plaines River. This project is a component of the Long Term Control Plan.
• $19.3 million to fund improvements at both the City of Joliet Aux Sable Creek Basin and Westside Wastewater Treatment Plants that will improve effluent (discharge) quality including the reduction of phosphorus levels.
• $7.4 million to fund the first year of a five-year water distribution system rehabilitation program. The existing mains are as much as 100 years old, leaking, corroded, causing iron to leach into the water supply and causing an excessive numbers of water main breaks.
• $6.8 million to fund the first year of a five-year citywide rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer mainlines and manholes.