Governor Quinn Announces $3.1 Million Wastewater and Drinking Water Projects for City of Galva

GALVA - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $3.1 million investment to improve wastewater and drinking water systems in the City of Galva. This announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive Illinois' economy forward and protect the environment by modernizing Illinois' water infrastructure. Funded by a low-interest loan through Governor Quinn's Illinois Clean Water Initiative, these projects will help reduce sanitary sewer overflows, basement backups and provide ample water storage for the city's residents, while bringing 27 direct jobs to the community and creating another 100 indirect jobs.

"Help is on the way for Galva to improve their wastewater and drinking water systems," Governor Quinn said. "That's what our Clean Water Initiative is all about, helping make communities like Galva even better places to live and work."

The City of Galva is receiving loans for two separate projects. The water pollution control project will restore and upgrade the city's sanitary sewer network to reduce sanitary sewer overflows, basement backups and repair outdated sewers in several areas of the city. This project will also provide sanitary sewer service to a previously unserved area of the city. The public water supply project will improve the city's current drinking water storage capacity through a new ground storage tank and water well. The project will also upgrade the existing storage and pumping facility to increase the lifespan of the current storage system.

Galva receives an additional benefit from the Governor's Clean Water Initiative as these subsidized loans result in additional savings over the life of the loans. The wastewater project is expected to last through February 2015, and the drinking water project is expected to last through September 2015.

"Improving and upgrading these systems is essential for communities facing aging infrastructure that cannot continue to meet residents' needs," Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Lisa Bonnett said. "The Illinois EPA is proud to partner with communities on these projects that are necessary for protecting residents and the environment."

"Without the Governor's Clean Water Initiative, the City of Galva would not be able to borrow the necessary funds at below market rates," City Administrator David Dyer said. "The subsidized funds provided by the program allow the city to complete the requisite projects without having to implement crippling increases in our water and sewer rates."

Governor Quinn first launched the Illinois Clean Water Initiative in his 2012 State of the State Address to help local governments rebuild or repair clean water infrastructure, including aging wastewater and drinking water treatment systems and plants throughout the state. These projects ensure that facilities are being upgraded to protect our streams and rivers, our drinking water supplies and the environment as a whole. In July, Governor Quinn signed legislation that doubles Clean Water Initiative funding to $2 billion and expands the program to include storm water management and treatment projects.

According to the U.S. EPA, it is estimated the water infrastructure needs in Illinois over the next 20 years will total $32 billion, including $17 billion in wastewater projects (which is the 6th highest among the states) and $15 billion in drinking water projects (4th highest need in the nation). To date, more than $767 million in wastewater and drinking water loans have been awarded under the Illinois Clean Water Initiative.

To learn more about Governor Quinn's Illinois Clean Water Initiative, visit CleanWater.Illinois.gov.