Press Release - Thursday, May 11, 2006
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Gov. Blagojevich announces $350,000 Opportunity Returns funding for Cropper's Subdivision Association
SPRINGFIELD --- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has approved a $350,000 loan from the Agency's Drinking Water Infrastructure Program, which will enable the Cropper's Subdivision Association to provide reliable water distribution service for the residents of the unincorporated community of Coyne Center in Rock Island County.
This loan, combined with $32,000 in local funds, will enable the Cropper's Subdivision Association to complete the $382,000 project. Cropper's Subdivision Association is a non-profit homeowner's association operating a public water supply system that provides water service to approximately 200 customers in the unincorporated community of Coyne Center in Rock Island County.
The proposed project consists of installing approximately 4,660 linear feet of six-inch replacement water main, related appurtenances and restoration. These water mains will replace existing deteriorated and undersized water mains that are subject to numerous breaks, service interruptions and pressure problems.
The funding for the project is being provided in part through the federally funded Water Revolving Fund and in part through the Illinois EPA as part of Opportunity Returns, the Governor's comprehensive, pro-active economic development plan for the Northwest 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 Northwest region reach its economic potential."
The loan from the Illinois EPA 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 and principal 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."
"Thanks to this loan through the Illinois EPA and Governor Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns Program, the residents of Coyne Center will be able to count on a safe and reliable water supply," said State Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline.
"The loan program really makes a difference in making it possible for residents of smaller unincorporated communities like Coyne Center to meet basic infrastructure needs," said State Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Rock Island.
During his administration, Gov. Blagojevich has been committed to improving the environment for Illinois citizens. During 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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