KANKAKEE – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced over $9 million in funding to three communities in the 40th District that will be used to replace lead service lines.
“These pipe replacements are an investment in our infrastructure, as well as in the health and well-being of communities for generations to come,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This funding is a good start, but we still have work to do as Illinois has more communities dealing with this issue. As a state, we must continue to prioritize clean drinking water.”
Over $43 million in funding will be awarded to 17 communities to replace lead service lines, with three communities located in Joyce’s District – Richton Park, Crete and Steger. The funding is provided through the Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund, which administers low-interest loan funding for drinking water, wastewater and storm water projects.
Lead is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time. Lead can enter drinking water when corrosion of pipes or fixtures occurs. Service lines are small pipes that carry drinking water from water mains into homes. Many homes built prior to 1990 may have lead service lines or lead containing plumbing fixtures or faucets. For resources on lead in your home, visit the EPA’s website.
“We know lead service lines are a major obstacle for community water supplies throughout Illinois,” said Illinois EPA Interim Director James Jennings. “Illinois EPA is committed to utilizing our State Revolving Fund to maximize funding available to communities to remove the threat of lead in drinking water, while prioritizing disadvantaged communities that would have no other resources to take on this challenge.”
For more information and a complete list of recipients, click here.
