Governor Announces Infrastructure Investments in Effingham, Area Counties

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Published on November 8 2013 9:46 am
Last Updated on November 8 2013 9:46 am
Written by Millie Lange

VANDALIA­—Governor Pat Quinn announced more than $2 million in state investments in communities in Crawford, Effingham, Fayette and Jasper Counties to support critical public works improvements and home rehabilitations for low-income residents. The announcement is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs while improving the state’s infrastructure and helping those in need.

“These projects are vital to Crawford, Effingham, Fayette and Jasper Counties and support basic community needs,” Governor Quinn said. “I am pleased to support this work that will provide jobs and a foundation for community renewal.”

The grants were made under the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)’s Community Development Assistance Program, which targets areas with populations of less than 50,000 that are outside of urban counties. Larger towns and cities are eligible for similar funding by direct application to the federal government. Most of the money is for work on water and sewer lines, some of it to deal with emergency needs. The housing component will allow for improvements to 105 single-family homes statewide. The funds originate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and are administered by the DCEO.

“These investments are important to the quality of life in rural communities statewide,” DCEO Director Adam Pollet said. “Better public services and an improved housing stock will help these regions attract jobs."

Statewide, investments totaling $8.83 million were made in 23 towns or townships for improvements to water and sewer systems, and with the required local matching funds the total investment will be $13.94 million. More than $750,000 was invested in seven communities for water and sewer work where the systems are in imminent risk of failure. The $4.59 million housing rehabilitation money, which is shared by 13 communities, will assist low-income people who need critical home repairs and those with limited mobility who can benefit from retrofits.

The investments include:
 
Crawford County - $400,000
Licking Township: Installation of rural water mains. $400,000 grant, $606,750 total project cost.
 
Effingham County - $450,000
Edgewood: Water system improvements. $450,000 grant, $600,000 total project cost.
 
Fayette County - $800,000
Loudon Township: New water main extension to multiple rural areas. $400,000 grant, $642,825 total project cost.
Otego Township: Rural water distribution system. $400,000 grant, $864,175 total project cost.
 
Jasper County - $400,000
Hunt City Township: Extend water to unserved area. $400,000 grant, $543,500 total project cost.