Governor Quinn Announces Investment to Rebuild City of Washington Water Systems

WASHINGTON - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $5 million investment to improve wastewater systems in the city of Washington. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency investment is from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program and will help the community rebuild infrastructure that was heavily damaged during the November 2013 tornadoes that struck the city.

"Today we're taking another step to help the people of Washington," Governor Quinn said. "This community is rebuilding step-by-step following a real natural disaster. This assistance will continue paving the way for a strong, comprehensive recovery."

"The City of Washington, like many other Illinois communities, is faced with aging wastewater infrastructure," Illinois EPA Director Lisa Bonnett said. "This investment is being made to help a truly deserving community."

Illinois EPA officials have been working with Washington to repair, upgrade and improve their aging wastewater treatment plant after the city was devastated by tornadoes in November 2013. With the community already facing major expenses to rebuild homes, businesses and infrastructure, Governor Quinn determined additional assistance was needed to ensure that crucial sanitary systems can handle the community's needs.

"I am very excited about the announcement today. I know city staff has been working with Illinois EPA for several months," Washington Mayor Gary Manier said. "Today's announcement is the outcome of those meetings. I appreciate Governor Quinn and Director Bonnett's continued willingness to assist the residents of Washington in our rebuilding."

The Washington wastewater treatment project is part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.