News Releases - 2003

Clean Lakes Program Applications Due

Springfield, Ill. -- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently accepting applications for funding assistance offered through the Conservation 2000 – Illinois Clean Lakes Program (ICLP), with approximately $800,000 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 eight years of the program, more than $5.3 million has been allocated to 45 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 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, its potential for improved water quality, and potential public benefits.

Those wishing to apply for ICLP funding or interested in learning more about the program should contact Teri Holland at Illinois EPA at 217-782-3362. Application information is also available on the Agency’s website at www.epa.state.il.us/water/conservation-2000/iclp

Pre-applications for funding will be due August 31, with final applications due by October 31, 2003.