Illinois Clean Water Initiative Will Invest $250 Million to Update Wastewater Treatment, Reduce Flooding and Clean Up Chicago Area Waterways

CHICAGO - February 11, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today awarded a $250 million low-interest loan to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to move forward with crucial projects to update the region's water infrastructure, clean up area rivers and improve public health. Financed through the governor's Illinois Clean Water Initiative (ICWI), the projects will create 2,000 construction-related jobs and support an additional 8,000 jobs in local communities.

In October 2012, Governor Quinn launched the $1 billion Clean Water Initiative to help local governments overhaul aging drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and pipelines. The Illinois Clean Water Initiative, which does not use any new state tax dollars, will create an estimated 28,500 jobs across Illinois.

"Today we are taking a big step forward to clean up Chicago area waterways and create thousands of good jobs," Governor Quinn said. "We are committed to making Illinois a national leader in clean water, which will lay the foundation for a stronger economy for generations to come."

Governor Quinn was joined for today's announcement at the MWRD's Calumet pumping station by MWRD Board President Kathleen Therese Meany, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director John Kim, Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) Executive Director Chris Meister, and local labor leaders.

Among the first projects to be financed through the ICWI is a major upgrade to an MWRD pumping station that is part of the multi-billion dollar Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). The ICWI will finance disinfection equipment to treat out-flowing water at the MWRD's Calumet facility and O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant in Skokie. The ICWI will provide financing for other projects to prevent flooding and reduce pollution using sustainable management technology to capture phosphorus and nitrogen.

"The nutrient removal projects are aimed at resource recovery with a return on investment for our taxpayers," MWRD Board President Kathleen Therese Meany said. "These processes are on the cutting edge of treatment technology and will transform the wastewater industry into a resource recovery enterprise."

The Calumet MWRD facility was constructed in 1985 as part of TARP to pump combined sewer overflows captured in the deep tunnel system into a main for transfer and treatment. About $35 million in low-interest ICWI financing will be used to reconstruct two pump rooms, each with a capacity of 150 million gallons per day, using state-of-the-art pumping equipment to divert storm water and combined sewer overflows for treatment rather than allow it to go directly into waterways.

"Illinois EPA has had a long working relationship with the MWRD, including previously administering $465 million in low-interest loans for TARP," IEPA Director John Kim said. "Governor Quinn's Clean Water Initiative will accelerate these continued MWRD improvements that will result in great returns for the environment and economy of Northeast Illinois."

"We're putting thousands of unionized building trades workers back to work, cutting the cost to local governments of financing clean water projects and ensuring safe drinking water for consumers, IFA Executive Director Chris Meister said. "It's win-win-win."

MWRD projects will put to work thousands of tradesmen, including Carpenters, Cement Masons, Electricians, Iron Workers, Laborers, Machinists, Material Testers, plumbers, Pipefitters, Operating Engineers, Painters and Truck Drivers.

"The jobs created by the Clean Water Initiative are good-paying jobs, since a prevailing wage requirement is part of each project," James F. Coyne, business manager of Plumbers Local 130 said. "For our region to thrive we need a modern, well-built water infrastructure, and this partnership will help MWRD achieve that."

The MWRD operates one of the world's largest wastewater collection and treatment systems, handling sewage for more than 5.25 million residents, thousands of businesses and industries in Chicago and 125 suburban communities spread across 883 square miles. The MWRD has 554 miles of intercepting sewers and force mains and more than 10,000 local sewer system connections, as well as seven treatment plants and 23 pumping stations able to treat more than two billion gallons per day.

Governor Quinn proposed the ICWI in his 2012 State of the State Address, and directed the IEPA and IFA to expand the State Revolving Fund from $300 million to $1 billion annually. The Initiative is funded with annual federal grants, funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and additional principal and interest from loan repayments. No new state tax dollars are used. Needed equity is provided by the existing loan portfolio and future federal capitalization dollars.

Governor Quinn has already awarded $4.8 million to Pekin, Illinois to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility and $15 million to Chicago to replace seven miles of drinking water pipes, some of which are a century old. Since 1989, IEPA has lent $4.3 billion to 472 communities; there has never been a single defaulted loan during the program's history.

Future MWRD projects that will be financed with CWI low-interest loans include :

? $117 million for disinfection facilities at the Calumet and O'Brien Water Reclamation Plants to meet proposed fecal coliform standards. Chlorination will be used at the Calumet plant to kill bacteria before wastewater is released into the Little Calumet River. Ultraviolet lamps will be used for disinfection at the O'Brien plant to kill bacteria before wastewater is released into the North Shore Channel just north of the Chicago River. The deal will allow the O'Brien project to proceed a year sooner than anticipated.

? $30 million for a Wet Weather Treatment Facility at the Lemont Water Reclamation Plant to better manage storm water.

? $18 million for replacement of the O'Brien Sludge Pipeline, an 18-mile pipe which carries sludge from the O'Brien facility in Skokie to the Stickney facility for treatment and disposal. Built in the 1960s, it has developed a number of breaks resulting in sludge leakage. This project will replace pipeline in Skokie, Lincolnwood and Chicago, with construction expected this summer.

? $15 million for a phosphorus recovery system at the Stickney Water Reclamation plant, with the loan allowing MWRD to push ahead with this sustainable resource management project a year ahead of schedule. It will recover phosphorus that would otherwise be discharged into waterways and convert it into a form that can be sold to the fertilizer industry, offsetting treatment costs and avoiding the environmental impact of rock mining this product.

? $10.6 million for rehabilitation of the 95-year old Des Plaines River Interceptor Sewer 1 that serves the Villages of Westchester, Broadview, Bellwood, Berkeley, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park, River Forest and Forest Park. The aging sewer has cracks and infiltration that will be sealed with a new sewer liner.

? $10 million for a state-of-the-art advanced biological process at the Egan Wastewater Reclamation Plant in Schaumburg to remove nitrogen from pollutants while cutting energy usage by 40 percent to treat this flow.

? $9.1 million to rehabilitate mechanical and electrical components of the TARP tunnel systems to improve safety, prevent flooding and maintain functionality for another 30 years.

? $5.6 million to reduce nuisance odors from the corroded Upper Des Plaines Intercepting Sewer. Construction is expected in June.

To learn more about the Illinois Clean Water Initiative, visit CleanWater.Illinois.gov.

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21,000 Chicago-Style Pizzas to be Shipped to Overseas Servicemembers

CHICAGO - January 29, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today partnered with leaders from DHL and Pizzas 4 Patriots to send 21,000 Chicago-style deep dish pizzas to servicemembers just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. That's enough pizza to feed every soldier stationed in Afghanistan and Kuwait.

Super Bowl Sunday is traditionally America's biggest day of the year for eating pizza. Since our troops serving overseas are unable to enjoy the game at home, the not-for-profit organization Pizzas 4 Patriots works to make sure a slice of home comes to them.

"It's our duty as civilians to honor our men and women in uniform for the many sacrifices they make to protect our freedom," Governor Quinn said. "I'm proud to partner with DHL and Pizzas 4 Patriots to help bring one of the many comforts of home to our troops overseas who are unable to enjoy the biggest sports day in America with their friends and family."

"Since 2008, we have had the pleasure of providing our brave U.S. servicemen and women overseas with the most delicious, authentic 'slices of home,' letting them know we care and we are thinking of them," said Ret. Master Sergeant Mark Evans, founder of Pizzas 4 Patriots. "While our soldiers' presence in the Middle East continues to become smaller, they still need to know that we appreciate the sacrifices they make for us, our families and our country."

The DHL team will be packing and loading all 21,000 ready-to-bake, Chicago-style pizzas from Illinois-based Great Kitchens into DHL cargo jets and shipping them. Once in the Middle East, the shipment will be distributed to Camp Bastion, Bagram Airbase and Kandahar - all in Afghanistan - as well as Camp Arifjan in Kuwait and various Forward Operating Bases in both countries. DHL Express will provide door-to-door, final delivery for the distribution, working closely with the U.S. military to ensure the pizzas are delivered fresh and ready at the various military bases.

"We are fortunate to have an experienced, committed staff that truly understands the intricacies of international shipping. And, we are honored to leverage our global network, so U.S. troops can enjoy a taste of home this Super Bowl Sunday," Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express U.S said. "While DHL Express handles urgent shipments like this across borders every day, I know our teams are working extra hard to ensure the pizzas arrive fresh and in excellent condition."

Since 2008, Pizzas 4 Patriots has worked with DHL Express to send more than 122,000 pizzas in support of U.S. military personnel overseas. For more information please visit: www.Pizzas4Patriots.com.

Governor Quinn is a long-time champion of Illinois' Veterans and servicemembers. As State Treasurer, he launched Operation Homefront to inform National Guard members and reservists of their rights under the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act. As Lt. Governor, his Illinois Military Family Relief Act to aid the spouses and children of those called to active duty became a model for other states. As Governor, he has visited Illinois troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Germany, and is committed to the goal of getting 100,000 Veterans hired in Illinois by 2020.

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"Erin's Law" Helps Prevent Child Sexual Assault and Abuse, Empowers Victims

CHICAGO - January 24, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law requiring schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades pre-K through 12. Known as Erin's Law, House Bill 6913 will help give victims a voice and prevent future incidents of sexual assault and abuse. Today's action is the latest by Governor Quinn to ensure Illinois children are as protected from harm as possible.

"My most important duty as governor is to make sure every child in Illinois is safe and healthy," Governor Quinn said. "Sexual assault and abuse steals a child's innocence and can be extremely psychologically and physically damaging. Erin's Law empowers young victims and teaches children what kind of behavior is and isn't ok, which will prevent abuse and protect the children of Illinois."

Sponsored by Rep. Jerry Mitchell (R-Rock Falls) and Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago), HB 6913 - Erin's Law - was an initiative of Schaumburg, Illinois native Erin Merryn. A victim of sexual assault and abuse as a child, Merryn quit her job three years ago to dedicate her life to helping victims break their silence, educating children about sexual assault and abuse, and preventing them from becoming future victims. She is an author and activist currently working to get Erin's Law passed in all 50 states.

"My innocence was killed as a child, my trust was taken and my voice was silenced for many years," said Merryn. "I have reclaimed my voice and I am determined to make sure every child in America has a voice and won't be silenced by a perpetrator the way I was. After testifying four times at the capital on Erin's Law, I am overcome with joy to know my voice was heard and Illinois children will now be educated and empowered every year with their voice to protect them from sexual abuse. I've turned pain into a purpose to end the silence and to educate and preserve the innocence of children. Thank you Illinois legislators and Governor Quinn for doing right by the children of Illinois."

Five states have implemented earlier versions of Erin's Law. Illinois is the first state to take the next step and pass legislation that more comprehensively addresses the need for child sexual assault and abuse education in schools statewide.

Previously in Illinois, only secondary schools were required to include sexual assault and abuse awareness education. House Bill 6193 expands this requirement to include elementary and middle schools. The law also requires that teachers participate in professional development and training classes that cover sexual assault and abuse.

In 2011, Governor Quinn signed the first step of Erin's Law, which created a task force to examine child sexual assault and abuse research, and release recommendations on how Illinois schools can better inform students about these issues. The Erin's Law Task Force published their recommendations in May 2012. These specific recommendations became House Bill 6913.

The law is effective immediately.

Joins Other Appointees to Boards of Trustees at University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University

CHICAGO - January 18, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today announced several appointments to the boards of two of Illinois' top universities. Among today's appointees is former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, whose work prosecuting governmental corruption has protected the public interest. The governor also re-appointed several members to both the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University boards of trustees. Today's announcement is part of the governor's commitment to strengthen higher education in Illinois.

"Patrick Fitzgerald has served the people of Illinois well and he will be an outstanding member of our outstanding leadership team at Illinois' flagship university," Governor Quinn said. "Today's appointees are talented, accomplished individuals who believe in the power of education. Together, they will help guide our universities to continued excellence."

Fitzgerald served as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. For his bio, click here. Fitzgerald has received numerous honors for his more than 20 years in public service including the Justice John Paul Stevens Award from the Chicago Bar Association. He was previously named "Lawyer of the Year" by The National Law Journal. A graduate of Amherst College, he holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and currently works as partner in the Chicago office of the Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom law firm.

Governor Quinn re-appointed Dr. Timothy N. Koritz and James Montgomery to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Koritz is a United States Air Force Veteran and serves as staff anesthesiologist at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Koritz was previously appointed to the board in 2009. Montgomery is a long-time Chicago attorney and has served on the board since 2007. Both are University of Illinois alumni.

The governor also announced three reappointments to the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees: businessman Robert Boey, who has served on the board since 1996; Dr. John Butler, a Chicago-area business consultant who is a NIU alumnus and has served on the board since 2007; and Wheeler Coleman, vice president and chief technology officer at Heath Care Service Corporation and former vice-president of the NIU Alumni Association, who was previously appointed by Governor Quinn in 2011.

For more information about Illinois' boards and commissions or to apply for a position, visit appointments.illinois.gov.

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