Hillsboro Gets Grant For Stormwater Wetland
For Immediate Release
November 3, 2003 | Contact: Joan Muraro
217-785-7209
TDD: 217-782-9143 |
Springfield, Ill. -- Hillsboro, in Montgomery County, has been
approved for a $37,500 grant for construction of a stormwater wetland
that is designed to improve water quality by filtering runoff in the Lake
Hillsboro watershed.
Stormwater wetlands are generally constructed in areas where wetlands
once existed naturally. A lowland area in the landscape is designed to
hold stormwater and wetland plants use nutrients in the stormwater for
food. The plants act to slow water movement so solids can settle out and
the water infiltrates and recharges groundwater aquifers. By slowing water
movement, the wetlands also reduce the potential for flooding.
The grant comes from the U.S. EPA Section 319 financial assistance program,
which is administered by the Illinois EPA.
:Sometimes simple, well-tried systems are the best answer to certain
environmental problems. By removing suspended sediment, nutrients and
other pollutants, stormwater wetlands can improve water quality and enhance
habitat," Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano said in announcing
the
grant approval, Hillsboro will add $25,000 in funding to the grant. The
entire project is expected to get underway this fall and be complete
by
the fall of 2005.
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