Illinois EPA launches Green Infrastructure Grant Program

AURORA —Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott today announced that Requests for Proposals are now being accepted for projects to reduce stormwater runoff and discharges into Illinois waterways under the state's new Green Infrastructure Grant program for stormwater management.

 

The grant program, with an initial $5 million authorization from dedicated federal funding through U.S. EPA, has its impetus in the Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed by Governor Pat Quinn.  It authorized a study and planning process that recommended additional incentives for green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff in Illinois. A Steering Committee of representatives of numerous organizations was then formed by Illinois EPA to propose specific strategies.

 

The Center for Neighborhood Technology, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Metropolitan Planning Council and the University of Illinois-Chicago are among the key partners with Illinois EPA in implementing the program. Announcement of the grant program was made at the central Police Station in Aurora, which features several green infrastructure design elements and features to prevent stormwater runoff into the Fox River.

 

"In recent months, we have seen torrential rain that has  increased  the urgency for encouraging development of innovative green infrastructure solutions for stormwater management, whether it is permeable pavements, bio-swales, green roofs, rain barrels and rain gardens or other approaches that mimic and enhance natural hydrology," said Director Scott.

 

"The City is excited to host the IEPA's kickoff of Illinois' Green Infrastructure Grant Program," said Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner. "The Police Department's new headquarters is the perfect place to demonstrate the importance of controlling stormwater overflow. By utilizing the latest ‘green technology' the facility illustrates how reducing water pollution and promoting water conservation are key elements in the City's overall sustainability initiatives."

 

Under the new Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant program, Illinois EPA will accept proposals from Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) and MS4 areas in three program categories. The first is for CSO rehabilitation projects, with a maximum grant of $3 million or 85 percent of the eligible project costs, whichever is lower. The agency anticipates awarding 1 to 10 of these grants per year. The second category is stormwater retention, with a maximum grant of $750,000 or 75 percent of the eligible project costs, whichever is lower. The agency anticipates awarding 2 to 18 of these grants per year. The third category is green infrastructure small projects, with a maximum grant of $75,000 or 75 percent of total cost, whichever is lower.   The agency anticipates awarding 2 to 13 of these grants per year. More information is available on the IEPA web site (www.epa.state.il.us). The deadline for applications is Dec. 15.