Ryan Announces Sewers For Broughton

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced $952,000 in state and federal funding to help the Hamilton County village of Broughton finance its first-ever sewer lines and sewage treatment plant.

"A modern sewer system is something most of us take for granted, but that is not the case in some smaller communities," Ryan said. "Many rural communities need a helping hand when it comes to improving the local infrastructure. Through Illinois FIRST, we are able to increase state funding to help communities like Broughton build the facilities they need."

A survey of 71 of the 90 residences in Broughton found over 60 percent had inadequate septic systems. Problems included the release of partially treated septic systems into roadside ditches and septic discharge pooling in yards and backing up into homes.

Grants and loans from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Commerce and Community Affairs will finance the project.

Total cost of the project is about $952,000. The biggest share will come from a $616,050 grant through Illinois EPA using federal "hardship" funds for low-income unsewered communities. It is part of the $1.4 million allocated to Illinois in September 1998 from the federal program.

To complete the financing package, Broughton is also being awarded a $150,150 CDAP grant through DCCA, and a $185,856 low-interest loan from Illinois EPA.

"The sewer lines and treatment facility that will be constructed with these grants and this will not only improve the quality of life for Broughton residents, but their environment as well," said Illinois EPA Director Tom Skinner.

Design work on the project has been completed and construction is expected to start by spring.