Illinois getting $206M to upgrade water infrastructures

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — More than $206 million is heading to Illinois to help improve water infrastructures.

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) made the announcement on Wednesday. The funding is part of the $50 billion Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (DWWIA), which Duckworth authored. The DWWIA is included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — the most significant federal investment in water infrastructure ever.

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Duckworth expressed pride in playing a part in this investment, adding that it will focus on disadvantaged communities with insufficient drinking water, wastewater, or storm water infrastructures.

“Portions of this funding will be available as grants and loan forgiveness to ensure these investments reach the most underserved communities,” Duckworth said. “Every American — regardless of their race, income or zip code — deserves to know that the systems that carry and process the water they use every day are safe, clean and reliable.”

State officials said the money will be used to modernize these systems while also creating jobs in their repairs.

“Access to clean and safe water is not just a basic necessity, it is a fundamental human right,” Durbin said. “Yet far too many communities across Illinois have been grappling with the costs of updating aging infrastructure that jeopardizes the quality and reliability of their water systems. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re not only safeguarding public health but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient future.”

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