News Releases - 2002

Illinois EPA Director Hosts Local Government Workshop in Jacksonville

Springfield, Ill. -- Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano is hosting an informational workshop for local governmental officials next Tuesday, July 2.

The workshop, titled Assisting Illinois Communities: Illinois EPA's Information Exchange for Local Governments, is being held for Illinois officials such as mayors, city managers, council members, township supervisors, village presidents, county board members, and representatives from local sanitary districts and public water districts and anyone with a role in local government.

"Our goal is to present the variety of resources that Illinois EPA offers that can help improve the quality of life in Illinois communities. I also want them to develop a better understanding of agency programs and activities," said Director Cipriano. "While most citizens are familiar with the regulatory side of the Agency, the Illinois EPA also offers numerous financial and technical assistance programs to units of local government."

The type of assistance Illinois EPA offers includes: low-interest loan programs, grants to help with redevelopment of underused or abandoned properties, information on services such as waste collection programs and pollution prevention consultations to help government reduce waste and thereby save money. These workshops will provide information on these resources and also give community representatives an opportunity to ask questions about agency programs and discuss ongoing activities with agency staff.

All meetings are scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; however, participants may attend all or part of the event, depending on their schedule. There is no registration fee for these workshops.

For more information, local governmental officials can call 888/372-1666. On-line registration is also available at the Illinois EPA website at: www.epa.state.il.us/assist.