Governor Quinn Statement on House Passage of Illinois Clean Water Initiative Expansion

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding Illinois House passage of a bill to expand the Illinois Clean Water Initiative to include stormwater and green infrastructure projects, a key part of the Governor's agenda. Governor Quinn called for this measure in his 2014 State of the State address as part of his agenda to create more jobs and build an economy that works for everyone. Senate Bill 2780 has previously passed the Illinois Senate and now heads to the Governor's desk.

"I want to commend Senator Dan Kotowski and Representative Elaine Nekritz, and all the legislators who voted for this important measure, which will help communities throughout Illinois be better prepared for the next heavy rain.

"Last spring's record rainfall and flooding hit many communities hard. We can help communities be better prepared to handle stormwater by including these types of projects in my Clean Water Initiative.

"Stormwater is also a significant contributor to surface water pollution. This legislation will allow local governments to secure low-interest loans for projects that prevent flooding and remove pollutants from stormwater."

Governor Quinn first launched the $1 billion Clean Water Initiative in his 2012 State of the State address, and since then dozens of communities have secured low-interest loans through the program for drinking and wastewater infrastructure improvements. Due to the overwhelming success of the program, Governor Quinn announced in his 2014 State of the State address that he was doubling the available financing to $2 billion and he asked the General Assembly to expand the allowable projects to include stormwater and green infrastructure projects.