MACOMB – State Senator Mike Halpin announced that Galesburg and Macomb are set to receive a combined total of $3 million through the Community Development Block Grant for public infrastructure, which enables communities in non-metropolitan areas to make critical repairs to water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure to enhance safety and quality of life for residents.

“Clean water is essential to our daily life, but maintaining these complex systems is not easy or cheap,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I couldn't be happier for Galesburg and Macomb for being awarded a combined $3 million for water and sewer infrastructure.”

Public infrastructure grants are designed to provide communities with funding to improve public infrastructure and eliminate conditions detrimental to public health, safety, and public welfare. As part of the annual CDBG program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $48.5 million for 41 infrastructure projects across the state. These projects include construction of storm sewer pipes, waterline replacements, hydrant and water storage tank construction, and other critical projects that help mitigate flooding and support sewage management, water delivery and other public water necessities.

"Access to safe, clean drinking water is a basic service citizens expect from local government, and it is vitally important that we modernize our ageing water distribution system,” said Macomb Mayor Michael Inman. “Macomb would not be able to afford to maintain our water system without federal and state funding like this, which ensures that our access to clean drinking water won’t be at risk anytime soon.”

To see a full list of grants awarded, click here.