Press Release - Friday, July 07, 2006
Press Releases
No Data
Illinois EPA director announces $42,083 funding to enable Flora residents to restore lake
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. --- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott announced today that the agency has approved a $42,083 grant, which will enable the Clay County community of Flora to continue with an ongoing project to restore Flora's Charley Brown Lake.
The lake has been an asset to the community for several years, providing an ideal locale for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. But over time, sections of the lake have become nearly useless due to 30 years of mud runoff and silt into the water. Two previous grants allowed restoration efforts to begin but were not sufficient for completion of the project.
The project involves removing sediment buildup by drawing down the lake's water level and using heavy equipment to dredge sediment buildup. Shoreline grading, rock rip-rap replacement and other shoreline protection activities will be done as necessary, with the city of Flora responsible for maintaining the installed improvements for a minimum period of ten years.
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. "Availability of quality water resources for public recreational use is essential to a good quality of life and a strong economy."
"This grant from Illinois EPA to Flora will help the community preserve and enhance the great asset of Charley Brown Lake for generations to come," said State Sen. John Jones (R-Mount Vernon).
"This is an excellent partnership between the state and the local community to restore this lake to full recreational usage," added State Rep. David Reis (R-Willow Hill).
"Illinois lakes are great resources, which also provide wonderful recreational activities, especially during the upcoming 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.
# # #
Press Releases
No Data