ROBINSON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)— The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has announced a new funding opportunity to fund projects addressing emerging contaminants in drinking and/or source water.
This funding is specifically being given out to small or disadvantaged communities in Illinois. One of the projects on the list of eligible projects is the Robinson Palestine Water Commission’s project, which is estimated to cost $27,000,000. The grant, if awarded, would fund $15,000,000 of the cost as of current numbers.
The grant program will provide over $40,000,000 in funding to assist communities in completing construction projects to address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) or Manganese in drinking and/or source water. You can check the Notice of Funding Opportunity posted on the Illinois EPA website here.
The EC-SDC Grant program will fund projects for communities on the Illinois EPA’s Public Water Supply Loan Program Emerging Contaminant Intended Funding Lists for FY2025 and FY2026. PFAS are a series of man-made chemicals that don’t break down easily in the environment. Exposure to these chemicals in drinking water has been linked to numerous health issues in humans, including an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Manganese, however, is naturally occurring and found in many everyday items, including food. Drinking water with high levels of manganese, however, can cause neurological and cognitive issues.
“Both PFAS and manganese are significant issues for drinking water systems throughout the state, and small and disadvantaged communities often lack sufficient resources to address these emerging contaminants,” said Acting Director of the Illinois EPA Jennings. “These funds will be vital to help communities that face challenges due to their size or financial resources provide safe drinking water to their residents.”
Applicants who qualify will be awarded up to $15,000,000 based on the project’s funding needs. Eligible costs include design engineering, construction engineering, and construction costs incurred after the start of the year. All forms and information are available at this link. Applications will be accepted until 1 p.m. on August 31, 2026. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applicants must be pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. Applications must be submitted within the Amplifund program at the link found here.
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