South Central Reporter

State Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) recently issued a statement on a $4 million grant for the Alto Pass water treatment plant.

"The Governor was in Alto Pass this week on Wednesday to announce a grant for $4.4 million for a water treatment facility. This investment will provide good-paying jobs throughout Southern Illinois for a nice boost to our economy, and create a safe, efficient sewage system for the good people of Alto Pass," Jacobs wrote in his weekly update.

Funding comes from the Illinois Unsewered Communities Construction Grant Program (UCCGP). According to the program page, as a recipient of a grant, the city will be required to perform the work, pay for it and invoice the UCCGP before the Illinois EPA will reimburse the municipality.  

"Alto Pass is the first recipient of the EPA’s Unsewered Communities Construction Grant in Illinois – but many more communities will follow. Thanks to Rebuild Illinois, we are making $100 million available to build wastewater collection and treatment facilities for communities without them," Gov. Pritzker said. "We also have provided an additional grant program to help communities plan their future design so they can build the solution that works best for them – over 30 communities have already received these planning grants earlier this year."

Alto Pass is a village with a population of approximately 300 residents. The community's septic tanks, which collect and treat sanitary sewer waste, are currently in need of repair.

The total cost of the project is predicted to be $6.62 million and construction is scheduled to begin January and last through December 2022, according to KFVS 12 News.

An additional $500,000 in funding is coming from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and more than $2.2 million is being provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Loan/Grant Funds.

"When we invest in real, tangible infrastructure, we are doing the work we are elected to do," Jacobs said, according to KFVS 12 News. "I am thrilled Southern Illinois is receiving the attention we deserve on this crucial piece of infrastructure for our people. This project will also mean good-paying jobs for the hard-working men and women of Southern Illinois while ensuring basic needs continue to be met."