Frankfort To Participate In $1.84 Million Loan Program From IEPA To Replace Lead Service Lines

Frankfort IL

12 July, 2021

3:57 PM

Description

By Jon DePaolis, Richard Free Press: FRANKFORT, Ill. — The Village of Frankfort has been approved for a loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency that will allow for the removal and replacement of 200 lead service lines. The IEPA loan, approved by a 6-0 vote by the Village Board of Trustees as part of the Consent Agenda, is in the amount of $1.84 million. "The project is financed from the Water Revolving Fund with 100% principal forgiveness," Trustee Margaret Farina said during the discussion. "The project will include removal and replacement of approximately 200 lead service lines throughout the Village, replacing the service line from the water main to the residential water meter. Construction will commence during late summer of 2021 and [be] completed by the end of 2022. Participation in this program is completely voluntary but is encouraged." Farina said the work costs approximately $9,000 per service line and will be provided "at no cost to the Village or to the property owner." "In fact, letters have already been sent out in mid-February to residents who can opt into this program," she noted. "We'll have a follow-up letter sent shortly. In the coming weeks, an open house will be held to provide additional project details and offer an opportunity for affected property owners to ask questions regarding this important program." Before the vote, Mayor Keith Ogle made note that "none of the Village of Frankfort's water mains contain lead." Later, during his comments to the board members, Village Administrator Rob Piscia said the lead service program was "a great thing." "This was something that started over a year ago with Robinson Engineering to do this proactive program," he said. "As we said, it's not lead in our pipes, but it is the ones that are from some of the older homes that may have lead service lines. We hope that residents take full advantage of this." Richard Free Press is a one-stop destination for the news that most affects you, the southwest suburban resident. Be an informed citizen of the town you live in and love.