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News :: Miscellaneous |
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Governor Ryan Announces Green Communities Grant Awards |
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by green party animal
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23 Jun 2002
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Springfield, Ill. -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced Green Communities Demonstration Program grants totaling $1,262, 987 to 16 local governments and community groups to develop a vision, long-term goals and action plan for improving local environmental conditions. |
Governor Ryan Announces Green Communities Grant Awards
For Immediate Release
May 7, 2002 Contact: Dennis McMurray
217-785-1871
TDD: 217-782-9143
Springfield, Ill. -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced Green Communities Demonstration Program grants totaling $1,262, 987 to 16 local governments and community groups to develop a vision, long-term goals and action plan for improving local environmental conditions.
"Many communities across the state are facing an increasing number of environmental challenges, ranging from protecting natural resources and farmland, to reducing air pollution from growing traffic congestion, to safeguarding water resources from pollutants in storm water runoff. The Green Communities Demonstration Program was created to provide an effective tool to help communities plan for a sustainable future," said Governor Ryan.
"This program encourages an inclusive, local approach with state government as a partner," said Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano. "The grants will provide communities with the opportunity to seek more creative ways to work together by engaging their citizens and interest groups in a planning process that emphasizes a holistic approach to dealing with local environmental issues."
"Environmental issues that will be addressed by the local groups include clean air and water; energy efficiency; waste reduction; natural areas protection and restoration; green space development; renewable energy and clean fleets; and environmental education," Director Cipriano added.
Identification of energy conservation and waste reduction opportunities should also lead to cost savings for local governments, Director Cipriano said.
The communities receiving the grants will also be eligible for technical assistance and priority consideration for state funds to help them implement their environmental action plans.
Population size and geographical criteria were included in the selection process used by Illinois EPA to ensure broad representation in the Green Communities program by a cross-section of local governments and organizations across the state. (See list below).
Green Communities is the local component of Governor Ryan's Green Illinois Initiative, which also includes the Green Government Program that encourages environmentally-sustainable practices by state agencies. Governor Ryan issued an executive order last winter that requires state agencies under the Governor to purchase energy efficient office equipment, recycled content carpeting and low-emission paints. This program will save natural resources, reduce pollution and create a healthier workplace environment.
In April, Governor Ryan issued a "Green Power" executive order committing the state to purchasing at least 5 percent of its electricity from renewable "green" power sources such as wind, organic waste and solar power, by the year 2010.
A complete listing of the Green Communities grant awards in each category follows:
Inner City Neighborhood in a Municipality with Population Over 100,000:
City of Chicago Planning Department (Stockyard District in Chicago)--$110,000
Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (Little Village neighborhood in Chicago) -- $110,000.
Community with Total Population of 20,000 to 125,000:
Village of Homer Glen--$110,000.
City of Chicago Heights and Village of South Chicago Heights (combined)---$91,800.
City of Decatur--$35,000. Village of Oswego--$31,000.
Community with Total Population of 20,000 or less:
Village of Monee (partnering with Villages of Peotone and University Park, and Governors State) --$110,000.
Village of Chebanse ---$110,000.
Village of Robbins---$110,000.
Village of Sleepy Hollow---$68,000.
City of DuQuoin---$67,000. Warren County---$12,177.
Other Specific Geographic Area:
Southern Five Regional Planning District and Development Commission (focus area: counties of Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski and Union) --- $108,525.
Western Illinois Regional Council (focus area: counties of Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox and McDonough)---$74,800.
Winnebago County (focus area: Rock River Valley) -- $72,944.
St. Clair County---$41,740.
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See also:
http://www.epa.state.il.us/news-releases/2002/2002-127-green-comm-grants.html
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