East Central Reporter

The City of Shelbyville is among 17 communities that will receive financial assistance to replace lead water lines. State Representative Brad Halbrook announced today that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will provide Shelbyville with $5.3 million to replace 350 lead service lines, ensuring no lead leaks into residents’ drinking water.

“It’s just a fact that many homes built before 1990 may have lead service lines that carry water into the house. Eliminating these older lead lines will reduce possible lead exposure for Shelbyville families,” Rep. Halbrook said. “This is a great example of what can be done when taxpayer dollars actually come back to the community to help make needed improvements and keep families safe. We need to see more of this.”

In a press release announcing the funding, Illinois EPA Interim Director James Jennings noted that the awards are being provided in the form of principal forgiveness, so none of the communities will have to repay.

“We know lead service lines are a major obstacle for community water supplies throughout Illinois,” said Interim Director Jennings. “Illinois EPA is committed to utilizing our State Revolving Fund to maximize funding available to communities to remove the threat of lead in drinking water…”