Governor Quinn Announces Investment for Clayton - Camp Point Water Commission

CAMP POINT - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $1.078 million investment for drinking water improvements through the Clayton-Camp Point Water Commission. Funded by a low-interest loan through Governor Quinn's Illinois Clean Water Initiative, the project will create 29 direct and indirect jobs in the community. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive the economy forward and protect the environment by modernizing Illinois' water infrastructure.

"This project will ensure safe and reliable drinking water service for residents in the Clayton and Camp Point area," Governor Quinn said. "That's what our Clean Water Initiative is all about, helping make communities like these even better places to live and work."

The Clayton-Camp Point Water Commission will use the proceeds of this Clean Water Initiative loan for improvements to its water supply, treatment and water distribution system. These improvements include new well houses, disinfection equipment and rehabilitation of fourteen master meter vaults.

"Improving and upgrading these systems is essential for communities facing aging infrastructure that cannot continue to meet residents' needs," Illinois EPA 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."

The commission receives additional benefits from the Governor's Clean Water Initiative as the subsidized loan results in additional savings over the life of the loan. The project is expected to go through the summer of 2015.

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 our 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 stormwater management and treatment projects.

According to the U.S. EPA it is estimated the total water infrastructure needs in Illinois over the next 20 years 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 $1 billion 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.