News Releases - 2002

Governor Ryan Announces $206,580 Grant To Rolling Meadows For Water Quality Protection In The Salt Creek Watershed

Springfield, Ill. -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced approval of a $206,580 grant from federal funds to the city of Rolling Meadows to reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality in the Salt Creek watershed within the Illinois River Basin.

Nonpoint source pollution is contamination resulting from runoff , often storm-related, that picks up oil, lawn and farm chemicals and silt as it flows across paved surfaces, lawns and fields and disturbed or unprotected soil. Funding for these nonpoint source programs comes from the U.S. EPA section 319 financial assistance grant program, which is administered by the Illinois EPA.

The agreement between Illinois EPA and city of Rolling Meadows calls for the city to stabilize 1,800 feet of eroding streambank along a segment of Salt Creek to improve water quality by reducing erosion and nonpoint source pollution while protecting habitat and improving aesthetics.

Announcing the release of the funds, Governor Ryan said: "Major improvements in the Illinois environment don't have to involve massive restorations. Relatively simple programs, like this streambank stabilization effort, can generate significant improvements for our Illinois streams and their watersheds."

"Utilizing federal 319 funds and our Agency's expertise generates real benefits to the stream, the nearby community and the entire watershed," added Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano.

Design work on these practices is expected to be completed by November 2002 with all construction work to be completed by the grant's termination date of April 14, 2004.

Governor Ryan and Director Cipriano noted the 319 funding complements the Illinois Rivers 2020 initiative, a $2.5 billion 20-year plan to restore the Illinois River Watershed. Using existing agencies and programs to carry out its goal, the voluntary, incentive-based program addresses threats to the economic and environmental sustainability of the Illinois Rive Watershed. It focuses on improving water quality, protecting farmland and open space and restoring plant and wildlife habitat, while enhancing the waterway as a vital transportation corridor.