Press Release - Friday, October 27, 2006
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Gov. Blagojevich announces $2 million Opportunity Returns funding for Rock River Water Reclamation District
ROCKFORD --- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has approved a $2,000,000 loan from the Agency's Wastewater Infrastructure Program, which will enable the Winnebago communities of Rockford, Roscoe, Machesney Park, Loves Park, Cherry Valley, New Milford and Rockton served by the Rock River Water Reclamation District to meet the needs of a growing residential and commercial area. Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott presented a ceremonial large check to District, county and local officials here today.
This project involves the replacement and expansion of the existing McDonald Creek Pump Station (MCPS) and force main to accommodate existing and projected growth for the basin area tributary to the MCPS. The MCPS was originally designed to serve 302 homes in the Forest Hills Mobile Home Park, and while it currently provides adequate service to the park and two partially constructed subdivisions in the area, future growth projections indicate that it will soon be undersized without a major upgrade. These improvements will allow for significantly expanded sewer service in the 3,880 acre basin area, and will accommodate systematic residential growth and economic development in the eastern portion of Winnebago County.
The funding for the project is being provided through the Illinois EPA as part of Opportunity Returns, the Governor's comprehensive, pro-active economic development plan for the Northern Stateline region.
"Having clean and safe water is something every man, woman and child deserves, and we are going to do everything we can to make that happen. By helping communities with these vital improvements at their water treatment systems, we are making them even better places to live and work in," Gov. Blagojevich said.
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 principle 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 appreciate of the efforts of Illinois' congressional delegation and state legislators for proposing enhanced funding for the State Revolving Fund and for new grant funding that is vital in helping communities like the Rock River Water Reclamation District maintain efficient treatment systems."
Due to Illinois' critical need for safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment systems,
Gov. Blagojevich has demanded that the federal government fully capitalize 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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