Governor Quinn Announces $3 Million in Infrastructure Investments in Western Illinois Communities

VERMONT­—Governor Pat Quinn today announced more than $3 million in state investment western Illinois to support critical public works improvements and home rehabilitations for low-income residents. Today’s announcement is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs while improving the state’s infrastructure and helping those in need.

“These projects are vital to western Illinois and support basic community needs,” Governor Quinn said. “I am pleased to support this work in Fulton, Hancock, McDonough and Warren Counties that will provide jobs and a foundation for community renewal.”

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 work on water and sewer lines, some of it to deal with emergency needs. The housing component will allow for improvements to 105 single-family homes statewide. The funds originate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and are administered by the DCEO.

“These investments are important to the quality of life in rural communities statewide,” DCEO Director Adam Pollet said. “Better public services and an improved housing stock will help these regions attract jobs."

Statewide, investments totaling $8.83 million were made in 23 towns or townships for improvements to water and sewer systems, and with the required local matching funds the total investment will be $13.94 million. More than $750,000 was invested in seven communities for water and sewer work where the systems are in imminent risk of failure. The $4.59 million housing rehabilitation money, which is shared by 13 communities, will assist low-income people who need critical home repairs and those with limited mobility who can benefit from retrofits. 

The investments in western Illinois include:

Fulton County - $1,214,972

Havana: Rehabilitation of 7 single family homes, $365,040.

Table Grove: Sewer re-lining. $399,932 grant, $533,242 total project cost.

Vermont: Water main replacements. $450,000 grant, $1,174,600 total project cost.

Hancock County - $673,330

Augusta: Rehabilitation of 6 single family homes, $273,330.

Plymouth: Rehabilitation of 8 single family homes, $400,000.

McDonough County - $815,040

Bushnell: Sewer lining, point repairs and manhole replacements. $450,000 grant, $731,707 total project cost.

Bushnell: Rehabilitation of 7 single family homes, $365,040.

Warren County - $365,040

Monmouth: Rehabilitation of 7 single family homes, $365,040.