05.11.09

Durbin Announces $3.55 Million in Recovery Act and General EPA Funding for Environmental Cleanup in Illinois

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that Illinois will receive a total of $3.55 million in funding through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the assessment and cleanup of properties where hazardous chemical or pollutants may be present. The funding will go toward the renewal and revitalization of distressed industrial and commercial sites, with a goal of turning problem properties into productive business and community institutions.

 

“Today’s funding will be the catalyst for revitalization that will create jobs and spur business development,” said Durbin. Not only is this good news for the environment, the health and well-being of Illinois citizens – this is good news for local economies.”

 

Of the estimated $111.9 million in total EPA funding announced nationwide, $74.6 million of the funding will be allocated through the general EPA grant program and $37.3 million will be made possible through the Recovery Act.

 

The following Illinois applicants will receive funding:

 

• Blue Island: $200,000 for the cleanup of an uncontrolled landfill.

• Dixmoor: $200,000 for the cleanup of the 13-acre Dixmoor Parcels site.

• Freeport: $600,000 for the cleanup of three now-vacant manufacturing sites.

• Rockford: $200,000 for the cleanup of the former Ingersoll site.

• South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association: $1,000,000 for assessment and plans.

• Southwestern Illinois Development Authority: $400,000 for assessment and plans.

• Stephenson County: $400,000 for assessment and community outreach activities.

• Chicago Heights: $400,000 for assessment and community outreach activities.

• Rock Island: $150,000 for assessment and community involvement activities.