The Village of Heyworth has received a loan of nearly $2.8 million from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for water infrastructure projects.
Nearly half of the loan qualifies to be forgiven by the state.
The Illinois EPA State Revolving Fund Program focuses on providing low-interest loans to help fund wastewater, stormwater and drinking water projects.
Heyworth currently has 14,600 feet of undersized cast iron watermain that was installed in the 1930s and 1950s, according to the IEPA. Due to wear and tear over the years, the village frequently experiences water main breaks, state officials say.
The funding will be used to replace sections of the already existing cast iron water main with PVC mains.
The PVC replacements will allow for adequate water pressure and flow. The frequency of maintenance and emergency repairs will also be reduced.
During the last budget quarter, the state of Illinois has approved nearly $76 million in water infrastructure loans to local governments and water districts.
