Illinois is taking a major step forward in water infrastructure with the successful sale of Series 2025 Green Bonds. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Finance Authority announced that the sale has generated a significant $544 million in proceeds. These funds will boost state revolving fund programs, delivering low-interest loans to public drinking water and wastewater utilities throughout the state. The goal is to upgrade outdated systems, improve access to safe water, and support essential environmental protections for communities large and small. Officials say these investments will ensure cleaner water and greater resilience for Illinois residents in the years ahead. Over the next two decades, Illinois aims to address $35 billion in critical water projects, ensuring safer and more resilient water infrastructure for communities.
“Illinois continues to receive strong bids from the bond market, amid the economic uncertainty being created on the federal level,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our strong fiscal discipline is allowing us to save taxpayers money, while also providing local governments the capital to replace lead pipes and create economic opportunities across the state.”
“Illinois EPA and the IFA have successfully partnered for more than a decade to provide a vital funding source for our public water supply and water pollution control loan programs,” said Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings. “The proceeds from the bond sales represent a significant portion of Illinois’ State Revolving Fund, allowing Illinois EPA to address the needs of our communities through low-interest loans for water infrastructure projects that are imperative for our state’s residents.”
“On behalf of the volunteer members of the IFA, we thank Governor Pritzker for his support on this transaction, and we thank Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings for this long and successful partnership benefitting the people of Illinois,” said Chris Meister, Executive Director of IFA. “The Series 2025 Green Bonds transaction was made possible by a team of professionals who reflect the diversity of the state of Illinois. The state of Illinois obtained the best possible pricing under available market conditions, and loan proceeds will be used to save Illinois taxpayers and ratepayers money in financing sewer and water projects, enhancing human health outcomes across Illinois, and putting qualified women and men to work building these projects.”
To learn more about Illinois EPA’s SRF Loan Programs, visit https://epa.illinois.gov/
