Governor Quinn Announces $1.2 Million in Infrastructure Investments in Southern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD¬—Governor Pat Quinn today announced more than $1.2 million in state investments in southern Illinois to support critical public works improvements, part of nearly $2 million to help rural communities improve their water and sewer systems. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and bolster the state's infrastructure while improving health and safety in Illinois.

"These projects are vital to southern Illinois and support basic community needs," Governor Quinn said. "Investing in infrastructure in Clay, Crawford, Fayette, Franklin, Marion, Pope, Wayne and Williamson Counties is creating jobs and providing a foundation for a healthier and safer Illinois."

The investments were made under the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)'s Community Development Assistance Program, which targets areas with populations of less than 50,000 that are outside of urban counties. Larger towns and cities are eligible for similar funding by direct application to the federal government. Most of the money is for design work on water and sewer lines, with a portion dedicated to emergency needs. The funds originate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and are administered by the DCEO.

"These investments are crucial to healthy water services in communities statewide," DCEO Director Adam Pollet said. "Investing in sanitary public works projects will not only directly benefit health and quality of life, it will also help create job opportunities in these communities."

Statewide, investments totaling $1.996 million were made in 17 rural low-income communities, and with the required local matching funds the total expenditure will be $2.095 million.

The communities receiving funds in southern Illinois include:

Clay County

• Sailor Springs, design storm water separation. $66,000 grant, total project cost $81,250.

Crawford County

• Hutsonville, design sewage treatment facility improvements. $150,000 grant, total project cost $150,000.

Fayette County

• Avena Township, design water main replacements and water line extension, $116,200 grant, total project cost $119,200.

Franklin County

• Benton, design water main replacement. $102,780 grant, total project cost $102,780.
• Christopher, design sewer main replacement. $104,000 grant, total project cost $104,000.
• Royalton, design sewage treatment plant improvements. $104,000 grant, total project cost $104,000.
• Sesser, design Phase 3 sewer main replacements. $124,000 grant, total project cost $124,000.

Marion County

• Iuka, design storm water and sewage improvements. $150,000 grant, total project cost $150,000.

Pope County

• Golconda, design water main replacement. $47,500 grant, total project cost $47,500.

Wayne County

• Wayne City, design new water treatment plant. $150,000 grant, total project cost $150,000.

Williamson County

• Herrin, design water main replacement. $104,000 grant, total project cost $104,000.