The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is stepping up its efforts to ensure safe drinking water by announcing a fourth round of grants aimed at identifying and replacing lead service lines throughout the state. According to a release from the agency, a fresh pot of $6.5 million will be available for local governments to create an inventory of their lead pipes, a necessary step towards the larger goal of updating and securing the state's water systems under the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act.
This new batch of funding, falling under the Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) Grant Program, offers individual grants ranging between $20,000 and $50,000. They have been made available in light of an approaching deadline, requiring community water supplies to have completed their lead service line inventories by April 15, 2024, "As the deadline approaches for community water supplies to submit complete material inventories, we know many supplies are still in need of financial assistance to meet this mandate," Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim said. These funds are in addition to the $9.7 million already granted through 260 awards in previous rounds.
Director Kim highlighted the urgency of the situation, acknowledging that many systems are hard-pressed to identify the service line compositions without additional support. The grant program is aimed squarely at this shortfall, bolstering efforts as part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement Grant initiative. The latest grant opportunity details, as well as application requirements, can be found on the Illinois EPA's dedicated webpage.
Grantees needing extra help are encouraged to inquire about low-interest loans from the Public Water Supply Loan Program (PWSLP), a supplementary financial aid option. This program works in tandem with grants focused on the actual replacement of lead lines. To discuss potential funding through the PWSLP, interested parties can contact the Infrastructure Financial Assistance Section by calling 217-782-2027. Applications for the LSLI Grant Program are accepted from February 15, 2024, and will remain open until the funding is fully allocated.
