The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced a new initiative offering one million dollars in grants to help unsewered communities plan wastewater collection and treatment systems. These grants aim to aid small and disadvantaged communities, with up to 50 expected to benefit. Applications are available on the Illinois EPA website and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted to the Illinois EPA website.
“We know there is a real need for the upfront engineering and planning costs before a community can even consider construction of wastewater infrastructure,” said Director James Jennings. “Funding is a significant hurdle for many communities without access to modern wastewater systems, and this opportunity is an investment in their future and our environment.”
Funding for the UCPGP is made possible by utilizing a portion of Illinois EPA’s Water Pollution Control Loan Program Loan Support funds generated from loan repayments. Applicants who qualify can receive funding up to $30,000, and the Illinois EPA expects to fund up to 50 grants.
All required forms and information are available on the Illinois EPA’s UCPGP webpage. The application period will remain open until all funding has been expended. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants must be pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal.