Pingree Grove awarded $3.5 million to improve public water supply

PINGREE GROVE, Illinois (March 18, 2022) – A federal funding package announced by U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) included a $3.5 million investment for the Village of Pingree Grove to improve its public water supply.

The Village will use the money to improve its potable water system by building a third well and second Water Treatment Plant to serve its more than 10,000 residents. The Village has grown by almost 180% in less than 10 years. The fast growth put a strain on the Village's water infrastructure. This $8.18 million construction project will help keep up with population growth and serve as a redundant treatment facility when maintenance is needed at the original plant. Construction is anticipated to start in May. Funding to cover the remainder of the project will be paid with an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan.

"Safe drinking water is a basic necessity for families and employers. I'm proud that this funding for Pingree Grove, the second fastest growing community in Illinois, will help secure clean water for residents as the community grows," Underwood said in a news release.

Federal funds were secured through the Community Project Funding request process, a new initiative this year that allows members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent. Fehr Graham serves as Pingree Grove's Village Engineer. The firm helped the Village submit information to Underwood's office to secure the funding to improve the potable water system. The firm also designed the third well and second Water Treatment Plant.

"On behalf of the residents of Pingree Grove, we are pleased to accept this federal funding to help further our mission to increase the Village of Pingree Grove's water infrastructure sustainability and continue to provide clean drinking water to our expanding community," said Pingree Grove Village President Steve Wiedmeyer in a news release.

"From day one, I have fought to bring the voices of the 14th District to Congress and worked hard to make sure our priorities are reflected in federal funding bills," Underwood said in a news release. "I'm proud to deliver over $10 million to fund 10 projects across our community."

Other projects in the 14th Congressional District focus on improving mental health services, local drinking water and kindergarten readiness, making higher education more affordable and accessible, supporting foster youth and families, strengthening emergency response and enhancing community safety.

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