DuPage Co., Ill. – Thanks to advocacy from State Senators Laura Ellman, Suzy Glowiak Hilton, and Karina Villa, the DuPage County Department of Public Works is set to receive more than $21 million in infrastructure funding for two local water reclamation facilities.

“Water is one of our most precious natural resources, we have to make sure we treat our local rivers and streams with care,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “These funds will help us update our facilities to ensure wastewater going back into the DuPage River and other local streams isn’t hurting our environment.”

The funds come from the Illinois EPA's State Revolving Fund Program, which includes the Water Pollution Control Loan Program and the Public Water Supply Loan Program. These programs provide low-interest loans to fund wastewater, stormwater and drinking water projects.

“With this investment, the DuPage County Department of Public Works can make significant progress to update important electrical infrastructure,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “I’m pleased to see this program help with growth and development throughout the county.”

The $21,258,984 in funding slated to come to the DuPage County Department of Public Works will be used to upgrade electrical equipment at the Woodridge-Greene Valley Water Reclamation Facility and the Knollwood Water Reclamation Facility. Work includes replacing the electrical systems including the main switchgears, underground cables and substations, as well as replacing the backup generators at both facilities.

“These facilities are vital to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the next generation,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “When we invest in our environment, we invest in our future, and I’m pleased to see these funds being put to such good use in our community.”

Projects are funded throughout the state through the Rebuild Illinois program, and recipients will receive an interest rate of 1.11% for both wastewater and drinking water loans. Learn more about Illinois EPA’s SRF program here.