News Releases - 2000

Clean Lakes Program Applications Due

Springfield, Ill. -- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for funding assistance offered through the Conservation 2000 - Illinois Clean Lakes Program (ICLP). Approximately $750,000 will be available for distribution this year.

Through the ICLP, Illinois EPA provides technical and financial assistance primarily to governmental entities that manage publicly-owned lakes with extensive public access and use. Controlling sources of pollution affecting water quality, restoring lakes that have deteriorated in recreational and ecological quality, and protecting high quality lake resources are the primary objectives of the program.

State funding for the program is made available under Conservation 2000 legislation signed into law in 1995. In the first five years of the program, more than $2.8 million has been allocated to 27 project sites.

Two types of grant awards are authorized under ICLP. Phase I lake study grants are awarded to identify problems and sources of pollution, and to develop a feasible course of corrective action. A typical Phase I study period lasts two years. Phase II implementation grants support the implementation of procedures recommended in the Phase I report to improve water quality, recreational and ecological aspects of the lake. Phase I grants are awarded on a 60 percent state, 40 percent local cost-share basis. Phase II grants are awarded on a 50/50 basis. Illinois EPA evaluates all applications on three primary factors: an assessment of the lake's overall water quality, it potential for improved water quality, and public benefits.

For more information, or to apply for ICLP funding , contact Amy Walkenbach at Illinois EPA (217-782-3362). Pre-applications for funding will be due by September 30, with final applications due by Nov. 30, 2000.

Related Information

• Illinois Clean Lakes Program (ICLP)