Wauconda awarded stimulus funds for environmental infrastructure project

CHICAGO - Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott today announced the award of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for a drinking water project in Wauconda. The program was authorized earlier this year by the United States Congress and President Barack Obama, and is managed through the Illinois EPA's State Revolving Fund infrastructure program.

 

"I congratulate Wauconda for their hard work and dedication in completing the successful project plans," said Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. "These projects will create good jobs, improve redevelopment and protect the health and well-being of our residents."  

 

Wauconda has completed the necessary requirements to meet the required "shovel ready" definition. Under ARRA, the state allocates the available funding based on "readiness to proceed" to meet the goal to move projects forward as quickly as possible to create badly-needed jobs and meet critical community infrastructure needs. The Village of Wauconda will receive $1,473,057 in a 20-year loan at zero interest, with 25 percent of the principal provided under the loan "forgiven" by state and federal funding authorities.

 

The federal recovery program provides a substantial increase in the clean water and drinking water low-interest revolving loan programs administered by Illinois EPA. The programs provide financing in the form of grants and zero interest loans to communities for projects such as wastewater treatment plant upgrades and expansions, new sewer lines, drinking water treatment plant modifications and expansions, and new or replacement water distribution systems.

 

"Illinois has maximized the benefits of the federal resources being provided by President Obama," said Director Scott.  "We are now able to provide badly needed funding to communities large and small throughout the state."

 

The list of communities initially requesting funds included 746 projects totaling $3.24 billion for wastewater projects and 895 projects totaling $1.46 billion for drinking water projects.  Illinois EPA anticipates receiving $180 million for wastewater projects and $80 million for drinking water projects through ARRA. This demonstrates the significant need for infrastructure improvements in the state.

 

Project summary: The funds will be used to construct a new well and water treatment plant capable of iron removal.   In addition, a standby generator for emergency operation will be installed at the well house.  This project will allow the Village to begin providing drinking water to several subdivisions previously served by private wells contaminated with vinyl chloride.  The subdivisions of Hillcrest, Elmcrest, Spencer Highlands, Wellsmere Heights, Lakeview Villa, and North Shore have increased the population utilizing Wauconda's water system, requiring additional capacity to meet community needs.