Governor Quinn Announces Investment for Wastewater System Improvements in Rockford Area

ROCKFORD - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $5.7 million investment for wastewater system improvements in the Rock River Water Reclamation District. The project is funded by a low-interest loan through Governor Quinn's Illinois Clean Water Initiative. This 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 wastewater service for residents in the Rockford area," Governor Pat Quinn said. "That's what our Clean Water Initiative is all about, helping make communities like Rockford even better places to live and work."

The Rock River Water Reclamation District will use the proceeds of the Clean Water Initiative loan to construct a new 25 million gallon excess flow storage basin, a new excess flow pump station and a 1,400-foot-long, 42-inch force main. The District will also construct an excess flow basin that has been designed as a constructed wetland. There will be wetland plants on the bottom basin and prairie plants on the side slopes. The excess flow basin will pump stored wastewater back to the district's wastewater treatment plant once flow at the treatment plant has been reduced below maximum design levels. Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2014 with completion a year later.

"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 Governor's Clean Water Initiative provides subsidized loans, resulting in additional savings for communities over the life of the loans.

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 $850 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.