Rockford receives $3.5M in grants to clean toxic pollutants

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford received $3.5 million from the federal government to clean up abandoned buildings contaminated with toxic pollutants.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is giving the funds in supplemental Brownfield revolving loan funds. Rockford has used this RFL funding for eight clean-up projects, including the watch factory and Barber Colman.

The funding will be used to expand projects in underserved areas.

“Cleaning up contaminated and underutilized sites helps protect the health of children and families, and it also helps spur development, job creation and economic growth for affected communities,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth. “As a co-founder of the Senate’s Environmental Justice caucus, I’m relieved that this federal funding will help clean up polluted brownfields across Illinois and I’ll keep working to ensure the health and safety of our communities is protected and upheld.”

9 more grants were awarded, totaling $17 million, to Illinois communities to assess, clean and redevelop.

“Today’s announced federal funding, some of which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support efforts to clean up hazardous materials that undermine the health, growth, and beauty of communities throughout Illinois,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “In addition to improving our environment, restoring Brownfields will provide new opportunities for jobs and economic development. I’ll continue to be a strong advocate for EPA investments like this that make our communities safer and healthier.”

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