Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

Illinois Clean Lakes Program...Applications Due

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Springfield, Ill. - Pre-applications will be accepted by the IEPA through Aug. 31 for funding assistance offered through the Conservation 2000 - Illinois Clean Lakes Program (ICLP).

Approximately $875,000 will be available for distribution this year. Through the ICLP, the IEPA provides technical and financial assistance primarily to governmental entities that manage publicly-owned lakes with extensive public access and use. Primary objectives of the program are control of pollution sources that affect water quality, restoring lakes that have deteriorated in recreational and ecological quality, and protecting high quality lake resources.

State funding for the program is made available under Conservation 2000 legislation signed into law in 1995. In the first seven years of the program, more than $4.3 million has been allocated to 35 project sites.

"The Illinois Clean Lakes Program has established itself as a major resource that gets needed financial assistance directly to those with hands-on access to Illinois lakes for protection and restoration," said Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano.

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.

The IEPA evaluates all applications on three primary factors: an assessment of the lake's overall water quality, its potential for improved water quality, and public benefits.

To apply for ICLP funding or to learn more about the program, contact Teri Holland at Illinois EPA at 217-782-3362. Final applications will be due by October 31, 2002.