SPRINGFIELD-- Governor Pat Quinn is announcing a $1 billion initiative to overhaul the state’s aging water infrastructure. 

Quinn says that some water mains are over 100 years old, and even though they have lasted as long as they have, they need some upgrades.

“Unfortunately some of our water mains today in different towns are over 100 years old, they have lasted a long time but they do need to be replaced.  It is important that we replace them with the kind of quality that will last another century.”

The program will provide low interest loans to communities to improve waste water systems, provide safe drinking water, and replace old water mains.  Federal EOA Administrator Lisa Jackson applauds the imitative, saying updates are desperately needed…

“It’s nationwide problem and unfortunately Illinois water infrastructure is in places is among the oldest in the country.  That’s why this historic investment by the state is so important to improving Illinois, and moving it forward.”

Quinn says these improvement projects will create more than 28 thousand jobs in Illinois.