The Illinois EPA has announced that Assumption has received a grant for replacing lead service lines.  EPA Director John J. Kim announced that Assumption would receive $1,093,967 in funding from the State Resolving Fund which provides low-interest loan funding for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects.  The funding is in the form of principal forgiveness, so the city of Assumption will not have to repay any of the funding.

Kim spoke about the program saying that while most communities are facing the challenges of lead service lines, many of them have been able to secure funding.  Removal of these service lines reduces the public health risks associated with lead, and securing funding with principal forgiveness is a significant benefit for not only the community but the residents.

Assumption plans on replacing an estimated 140 lead service lines within the community with the funding.  Lead is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time and lead can enter drinking water when pipes get corroded. Many older homes built prior to 1990 have lead service lines.  

Since 2017, the Illinois EPA has provided lead service line replacement principal forgiveness for projects directly related to activities that reduce or eliminate lead from potable water.  To date, Illinois EPA has provided over $117.4 million in funding for lead service line replacement. Principal forgiveness is available up to a maximum amount of $4 million per loan recipient until the allotted funds are expended.  Illinois EPA anticipates distributing an additional $5.2 million in principal forgiveness funding under this program allotment by June 30, 20023. 

To learn more about resources on lead in your home visit the Illinois EPA website.