SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has announced a new funding opportunity through its Overflow and Sewer Grant (OSG) program aimed at supporting local governments in tackling sewer overflows and improving stormwater infrastructure.
Acting Director James Jennings unveiled the program Wednesday, noting its goal to help communities address combined sewer overflows (CSO), sanitary sewer overflows (SSO), and stormwater management issues that compromise water quality and damage property. “Many communities are challenged by frequent overflows, especially during heavy rainfall,” said Jennings. “This new program offers financial assistance to target the root causes of flooding and protect local water resources.”
The OSG program can cover up to 80% of eligible project costs, with the remaining amount serving as the local match. However, match requirements are waived for rural communities with populations under 10,000 and financially distressed communities under 30,000 people where the median household income is less than 70% of the statewide average.
Priority will be given to projects that reduce CSO and SSO frequency and severity, while enhancing compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
There is no set maximum or minimum funding amount, and proposals will be reviewed monthly until funds are exhausted or until January 1, 2027. All applicants must be pre-qualified through the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal before applying.