Feb. 5, 2014 -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is addressing critical infrastructure throughout the state by doubling the investment in clean water projects through the Illinois Clean Water Initiative (ICWI). Further, he has earmarked $2 billion for projects such as replacing ancient water mains, upgrading sewers and building wastewater treatment plants statewide.
As part of Quinn's agenda to protect the environment by modernizing water infrastructure, local governments can use ICWI funds for a variety of projects, including replacing aging water mains, upgrading water towers, or bringing wastewater treatment facilities in line with federal standards. In Cook County for example, the ICWI is helping to meet the clean water needs of more than five million residents and creating thousands of jobs.
"These are good jobs: jobs for welders, cement masons, truck drivers, operating engineers, pipefitters, painters, and carpenters," said Quinn. "To date, we've received 91 clean water applications, and this year, we'll expand our Clean Water Initiative -- and double this investment -- to include critical stormwater and flood control projects," he said in his 2014 State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan. 29.