Gov. Blagojevich announces $674,000 Opportunity Returns funding for Otter Creek Lake Utility District

SPRINGFIELD --- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has approved a $674,000 public water supply loan, which will fund the construction of a new storage tank for the Otter Creek Lake Utility District (OCLUD).  The OCLUD services the residents of two counties, Stephenson Co. and Winnebago Co.

 

The project, which will also utilize $45,054 in local funding, consists of the construction of a 300,000-gallon elevated water storage tank.  The proposed tank will provide adequate elevated water storage capacity and fire flow capacity for the residents of OCLUD for the 20-year design period.

 

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 Northern Stateline 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 as to existing and potentially new businesses.  By working together, we will continue doing all we can to help the Northern Stateline 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."

 

"This loan will enable the Otter Creek Lake Utility District to provide the storage capacity needed for its users' long-term needs," said State Sen. Todd Sieben, R-Geneseo.

 

"An adequate supply of safe drinking water is vital to these residents of my district and the loan program helps make that possible," said Rep. Jim Sacia, R-Pecatonica.

 

During his administration, Gov. Blagojevich has been committed to improving the environment for Illinois citizens.  In his 2006 State of the State address, the governor proposed a plan to drastically reduce mercury emissions from power plants by 90 percent by June 30, 2009.  This ambitious plan to protect Illinois families from harmful mercury emissions will provide tougher standards than those proposed by the federal government.  And in an effort to protect the environment and simultaneously reduce pain at the pump for Illinois consumers, the governor also proposed giving consumers a $500 tax rebate for purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles.

 

 

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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