Press Release - Thursday, July 06, 2006
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Illinois EPA director announces $15,000 funding for Greenfield
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. --- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director Doug Scott announced today that the agency has approved a $15,000 grant from the agency's Priority Lake and Watershed Implementation Program for the Greene County city of Greenfield, which will fund 2,000 feet of bank stabilization using rip-rap, which will prevent erosion at Greenfield Lake.
The grant is being provided through the Illinois EPA as part of Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act. The purpose of the Illinois EPA's Section 319 Program is to work with local government and other organizations to protect water quality in Illinois through the control of non-point source pollution. The program provides funds to implement projects that utilize cost-effective best management practices to protect Illinois' water resources.
"Such locally-based efforts make communities better places to live and work, improve the local economy and typify the basic premise of our Opportunity Returns initiative," said Governor Rod R. Blagojevich.
"Greenfield, as well as other communities in my district, are working closely with Illinois EPA to protect and restore local lakes for the benefit of current and future generations," said State Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville).
"IEPA has been an excellent partner with communities in my district to enhance and protect their local lakes," added State Rep. Jim Watson (R-Jacksonville).
"Illinois lakes are great resources, which also provide wonderful recreational activities, especially during these summer months" said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. "Funding under the Section 319 Program makes restoration and maintenance of our lakes and rivers possible, so that communities can continue to enjoy activities like boating and swimming."
Opportunity Returns is Gov. Blagojevich's economic development plan designed to spur economic growth and create jobs in the region. The regional economic development plan is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois. Opportunity Returns contains tangible actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to business. Funding of natural resources improvements, such as those awarded through the 319 Program, make Illinois a better place to live and work.
During his administration, Gov. Blagojevich has been committed to improving the environment for Illinois citizens. As part of 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.
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