Press Release - Thursday, January 19, 2006
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$1,104,372 Opportunity Returns funding awarded to Sparta
SPRINGFIELD --- Governor Rod Blagojevich announced today that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has approved a 75 percent water pollution control grant of $1,104,372, which will enable the Randolph County city of Sparta to provide sewer service to the recreational users of the World Shooting Complex.
This project, costing a total of $1,472,496, will consist of the construction of a holding basin that will provide partial treatment of sewage generated at the World Shooting Complex. In addition to the basin, a sewage pump station and two force mains will be constructed to transport the sewage to the Sparta sewage treatment plant for complete treatment and discharge.
This project will enable the World Shooting Complex to provide sewage service to the recreational users of the facilities and provide an economic benefit to the area.
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 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 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."
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.
Gov. Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy 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 - each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.
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