Illinois EPA Announces $7 Million Funding Opportunity Available for Resilience Projects at Wastewater Treatment Plants

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (Illinois EPA) Office of Energy is offering $7,000,000 in grant funding to strengthen energy resilience at publicly owned wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Through the Resilient Energy for Wastewater Infrastructure (REWI) Grant Program, communities can access funding to assess energy vulnerabilities and implement solar energy systems paired with battery storage. Individual awards will range from $200,000 to $2,000,000, with a match requirement of 25% or 50% based on population served and geographic location. The application period will close April 30, 2026.

“Resilient wastewater infrastructure is essential for protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring community stability.” said Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings. “The REWI Grant Program enhances system reliability by directly addressing emerging risks from severe weather, aging infrastructure, and cyber threats.

The REWI Grant Program leverages U.S. Department of Energy Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding to support Illinois’ critical infrastructure. Applications will be scored competitively based on project feasibility and readiness, resiliency planning, integration of solar and battery storage, and benefits to Environmental Justice communities. Application materials are available at the Illinois EPA Office of Energy REWI webpage.

Beyond the REWI program, Illinois EPA is committed to investing in public water infrastructure through a number of programs, including:

• Wastewater/Stormwater and Drinking Water Loan Program
• Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Program/Lead Service Line Replacement Loan Program
• Public Water Supply Energy Efficiency Grant Program

For more information, visit the Office of Energy webpage or call 217-785-8841.

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