Governor Quinn Announces $200,000 Drinking Water Project for Village of Belknap

BELKNAP - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $200,000 investment to improve drinking water systems in the Village of Belknap. 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, this investment will fund various rehabilitation projects to benefit the village's drinking water supply.

"Help is on the way for Belknap to improve their drinking water system," Governor Quinn said. "That's what our Clean Water Initiative is all about, helping make communities like Belknap even better places to live and work by protecting residents' access to clean, safe water."

The Village of Belknap will use the funds for various rehabilitation projects and upgrades to their water distribution system and water treatment plant. This includes painting a 50,000 gallon elevated water storage tank; painting a 100,000 gallon standpipe storage tank; installing emergency generators at the treatment plant and pump station; rehabilitating two pressure filters used to treat water; electrical system upgrades; installing security fencing; and other necessary piping, valve and minor repairs. The project will correct a violation cited by the Illinois EPA and make necessary improvements.

Belknap 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 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."

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.