Four Illinois communities, Pecatonica, Rockford, Dixon and LaMoille, are among the first communities in the state to receive ARRA awards, having completed the necessary requirements to meet the “shovel ready” definition required in the law. Under ARRA, the state allocates funding based on “readiness to proceed” since one of the primary goals is to move projects forward as quickly as possible that will create needed jobs as well as meet critical community infrastructure needs.

“I congratulate these communities for their hard work and dedication in completing these successful project plans,” said Governor Quinn. “These projects will create good jobs, improve redevelopment and protect the health and well-being of our residents.”

ARRA provides a substantial increase in the clean water and drinking water low-interest revolving loan programs administered by Illinois EPA. The programs provide financing in the form of grants and zero interest loans to communities for such projects as wastewater treatment plant upgrades and expansions, new sewer lines, drinking water treatment plant modifications and expansions, and new or replacement water distribution systems.

“Illinois has maximized the benefits of the federal resources being provided by President Obama,” said Director Scott. “We are now able to provide badly needed funding to communities large and small throughout the state.”

The list of communities initially requesting funds included 746 projects totaling $3.24 billion for wastewater projects and 895 projects totaling $1.46 billion for drinking water projects. Illinois EPA anticipates receiving $180 million for wastewater projects and $80 million for drinking water projects through ARRA. This demonstrates the significant need for infrastructure improvements in the state.

Infrastructure Project Summaries for Stateline communities are:

· Today’s recipients include Pecatonica, which will be receiving $6.2 million toward its $7.66 million project to upgrade and expand the village’s wastewater treatment plant. The plant was originally constructed in 1965 and has undergone only minor rehabilitation since that time. This project will assure adequate treatment for all current and future wastewater flows and resolve the ongoing compliance issues from inadequate treatment facilities. The village will specifically be receiving a 20-year loan at zero interest with 25 percent of the principal “forgiven” by state and federal and funding authorities.

· The City of Dixon is receiving $4,134,201, also a 20-year loan with zero percent financing and 25 percent loan forgiveness, covering virtually all of the cost of the construction of new water treatment facilities designed to bring the City into compliance with radium and arsenic Maximum Contaminant Level standards set by U.S. EPA. This project focuses on Wells 6 and 8 in the city’s distribution system. New water treatment facilities will be constructed a both locations that will utilize a pressure filter system and hydrous manganese oxide processes to remove these naturally-occurring contaminants in the groundwater source and assure a safe and adequate water supply for the citizens of Dixon.

· The Illinois EPA is also finalizing $6.9 million in funding for the ongoing major upgrade and rehabilitation of the Rockford public water supply, which includes achieving compliance with the radium standard. The geological impact on the groundwater in this part of the state has made an issue for some communities, including Rockford.