Environmental Progress - Spring 2002

Environmental Progress : Spring 2002

16 Local Governments, Groups Share $1.2 Million in "Green" Grants

Green Communities Demonstration Grants spur long-term goals, planning

In May, Governor George H. Ryan announced the first Green Communities Demonstration Program grants, totaling $1,262,987.00 to 16 local governments and community groups to develop a vision, long-term goals and action plan for improving local environmental conditions.

"This program encourages an inclusive, local approach with state government as a partner," said Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano.

Environmental issues that will be addressed by the local groups include clean air and water, energy efficiency, waste reduction, natural areas protection and restoration, green space development, renewable energy and clean fleets, and environmental education.

Identification of energy conservation and waste reduction opportunities should also lead to cost savings for local governments, Director Cipriano said.

The communities receiving the grants will be eligible for technical assistance and priority consideration for state funds to help them implement their environmental action plans.

Population size and geographical criteria were included in the selection process used by Illinois EPA to ensure broad representation in the Green Communities program by a cross-section of local governments and organizations across the state.

In April, Gov. Ryan issued a "Green Power" executive order committing the state to purchasing at least 5 percent of its electricity from renewable "green" power sources such as wind, organic waste and solar power, by the year 2010.

Illinois became the first state to join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership and committed to purchasing at least 2 percent of its electricity from "green sources" within the next year.

Green Communities grants were awarded in each category to:

Inner City Neighborhood in a Municipality with Population Over 100,000:

City of Chicago Planning Department (Stockyard District in Chicago) $110,000

Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (Little Village neighborhood in Chicago) $110,000.

Community with Total Population of 20,000 to 125,000:

Village of Homer Glen $110,000.

City of Chicago Heights and Village of South Chicago Heights (combined) - $91,800.

City of Decatur $35,000.

Village of Oswego $31,000.

Community with Total Population of 20,000 or less:

Village of Monee (partnering with villages of Peotone and University Park, and Governors State) $110,000.

Village of Chebanse - $110,000.

Village of Robbins - $110,000.

Village of Sleepy Hollow - $68,000.

City of DuQuoin - $67,000.

Warren County - $12,177.

Other Specific Geographic Area:

Southern Five Regional Planning District and Development Commission (focus area: counties of Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski and Union) $108,525.

Western Illinois Regional Council (focus area: counties of Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox and McDonough) - $74,800.

Winnebago County (focus area: Rock River Valley) $72,944. St. Clair County - $41,740.