Underwood Secures $6,270,305 in Funding for Environmental Site Assessments and Cleanup
WASHINGTON — This week, Representative Lauren Underwood announced a new round of federal funding she has secured for Illinois, the City of Mendota, and the North Central Illinois Council of Governments in the 14th District.
“Across Illinois, there are still too many places where companies have left behind harmful substances, pollution, or chemicals that threaten the health and well-being of families in our community,” Rep. Underwood said. “Cleaning up these sites can completely transform our neighborhoods, bringing good jobs, protecting our environment, and protecting public health. I’m so proud to bring this investment home to northern Illinois and support our community with these federal funds.”
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Underwood has made securing federal resources for northern Illinois a top priority. The following funds will support programs in the 14th district with federal resources:
City of Mendota, Mendota, Illinois - $1,270,305
The City of Mendota will receive $1,270,305 in Brownfield Cleanup Grant funding to clean up the former Campbell Cleaners property that is contaminated by harmful substances threatening the health and well-being of families in our community.
Rep. Underwood helped secure the funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and wrote a letter for Mendota in support of the project to the EPA.
North Central Illinois Council of Governments, Mendota, Illinois - $1,500,000
The North Central Illinois Council of Governments will receive $1,500,000 in Brownfield Cleanup Grant funding to prioritize and inventory brownfield sites, conduct environmental site assessments, develop cleanup and revitalization plans, and support community engagement efforts in Mendota, Streator, Marseilles, and Peru. According to EPA, priority sites include a 5-acre former railyard, the 4.8-acre former Nabisco factory in Marseilles, and the former Westclox Co. watch factory in Peru that was destroyed by a fire in 2012.
Rep. Underwood helped secure the funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois - $3,500,000
In addition to the funds above for specific communities, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will receive a $3,500,000 Revolving Loan Fund Supplemental Grant to extend their capacity to provide funding for cleanups in underserved areas across Illinois.
Rep. Underwood helped secure the funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.