Governor Quinn Announces $450,000 Infrastructure Investment in Sparta

SPARTA - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $450,000 state investment in Sparta to support critical public works improvements and home rehabilitations for low-income residents. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs while improving the state's infrastructure and helping those in need.

"This project is vital to Sparta and supports basic community needs," Governor Quinn said. "I am pleased to support this work that will provide jobs and a foundation for community renewal."

The investment was 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 City of Sparta will receive $450,000 to line and replace sewers. The total project cost, including local matching funds, is $574,400.