The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $5 million funding opportunity through its newly established Overflow and Sewer Grant (OSG) Program, aimed at helping local governments tackle infrastructure challenges related to combined sewer overflows (CSOs), sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), and stormwater management.
Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings said the program is designed to improve water quality and protect local water resources. “Many communities are challenged by frequent sanitary or combined sewer overflows, which can cause property damage and negatively impact area water resources,” said Jennings. “This new funding opportunity provides a financial resource for communities working to address the root cause of flooding experienced during heavy rainfall events.”
Priority will be given to projects that reduce the frequency and severity of CSO and SSO events and improve compliance with NPDES permits and relevant control plans. The program can fund up to 80% of approved project costs, with the remaining portion being the responsibility of the grantee. However, rural communities (population under 10,000) and financially distressed communities (population under 30,000 and household income at or below 70% of the state average) are not required to provide matching funds.
There is no maximum or minimum project cost, and proposals submitted by the 15th of each month will be reviewed and scored. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted or until January 1, 2027.
A Notice of Funding Opportunity is available on the Illinois EPA website. Interested applicants must be pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal before applying.
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