Stimulus Dollars at Work

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Dollars at Work for Illinois

$71.7 million in  Recovery Act funded guaranteed loans will help rural businesses and strengthen rural communities throughout America.  “Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $71.7 million in loan guarantees to assist 20 rural businesses in funding made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The funding announced today is being made available through USDA Rural Development's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.    ‘The Recovery Act funds announced today will help businesses get access to the capital they need to launch and expand their businesses and help bring additional jobs to America's small cities and towns,’ Vilsack said…   For example, in Georgetown, S.C., USDA Rural Development is guaranteeing a $3 million loan to enable a local gate and mounting-system company to restructure debt and purchase new machinery and equipment.  In Franklin County, Ohio, a farmer owned cooperative with local headquarters was selected to receive a $7.5 million loan guarantee.  The loan will help provide business services to more than 50,000 livestock farmers in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.  The Business and Industry loan will help the cooperative continue to maintain health insurance to its nearly 500 employees, many of whom live in counties with unemployment rates 125 percent greater than the national average and counties that have been affected recently by natural disasters.” [USDA.gov, 10/21/09] 
 
Recovery Act will help expand existing research projects at two Illinois medical school campuses and at the Simmons Cooper Cancer Institute at SIU; new personnel will be hired and equipment purchased.  “The research projects of 14 faculty members at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield and Carbondale were awarded grants totaling nearly $2.61 million by the National Institutes of Health.  The funds were granted through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the expansion of existing projects and or new research in fields including aging, hearing, infectious diseases, cancer and neurobiology.  The grants are to be used to hire personnel and purchase supplies and equipment.  Most of the awardees are research scientists at the two medical school campuses, and several are members of the research team at the SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at SIU in Springfield. ” [St. Louis Business Journal, 10/21/09]
 
Aurora will use Recovery Act funding to replace three major water mains.  “The city will receive slightly more than $1.1 million in interest-free loans to support replacements of three major water mains.  Announced Monday by Gov. Pat Quinn and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott, the loan -- supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- is part of $180 million in federal stimulus funds for wastewater projects and $80 million for drinking water projects across Illinois… …  Aurora will receive more than $1 million in the form of 20-year interest-free loans with the first 25 percent of the principal forgiven by the state under the terms of the ARRA.  Aurora's project focuses on existing mains that are 50 to 60 years old, have exhibited a consistent pattern of breaks in the recent past and are inadequate for maintaining water pressure in these areas.” [Beacon-News, 10/20/09]
 
Recovery Act funding will bankroll three hours of daily overtime for 44 officers.  “Mayor Daley today threw more money and police bodies at a daunting problem no closer to being solved than at any time during his 20-year tenure:  the bloodbath on Chicago streets that’s destroying another generation of young people.  The videotape replayed around the world of 16-year-old Fenger High School student Derrion Albert being beaten to death during a brawl by students from rival neighborhoods has captured the attention of political leaders like so many other youth murders before it…  ‘This time, people are maybe looking in the mirrors and figuring out it’s all of our problems,’ the mayor told a news conference at the Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center, 1060 E. 47th St.  ‘The difference is, maybe it’s striking home [with] more and more people’...  The mayor’s latest plan includes… using federal stimulus funds to bankroll three hours of daily overtime for 44 officers who will extend their shifts to coincide with school dismissal times.” [Chicago Sun Times, 10/8/09]
 
The Recovery Act will provide the City of Rockford an upgrade and rehabilitation of its public water supply.  “Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott announced grants and loans for environmental projects to improve wastewater quality in Illinois, using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)...   Rockford will receive nearly $7 million in the form of 20 year interest free loans with the first 25 percent of the principal provided forgiven by the State of Illinois under the terms of the ARRA.  The federal Recovery program provides a substantial increase in the clean water and drinking water low-interest revolving loan programs administered by Illinois EPA… The City of Rockford, located in Winnebago County, will receive $6,877,227 under the terms offered under the ARRA.  Using funding provided by the Illinois EPA’s Public Water Supply Loan Program, the City will do a major upgrade and rehabilitation of its public water supply.  The project will establish a system of 19 facilities that will together comprise the rehabilitated Rockford water system.  It will involve major improvements in the areas of water supply and treatment, water pumping and storage, water transmission and distribution, water system controls and monitoring, and water system operations.  When complete, this initiative will address frequent problems with water main breaks, water pressure, as well as a number of water quality issues… Illinois EPA receives approximately $180 million for wastewater projects and $80 million for drinking water projects through ARRA.” [WIFR News, 10/9/09]
 
Recovery Act will help nonprofit community health care providers that serve low-income and medically underserved populations transition to electronic records.  “Last week U.S. Sens. Richard Durbin and Roland Burris, D-Ill., announced that the United States Department of Health and Human Services would award $750,000 to the Illinois Primary Health Care Association to aid its transition to electronic health records.  IPHCA represents community health centers — nonprofit community health care providers that provide low-income and medically underserved populations with primary and preventative care services such as dental, mental, x-ray, pharmacy and health and nutrition education.  The Springfield-based organization will receive the funding as part of $27.8 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds awarded nationwide to health centers and health center networks for health information technology.  Near North Health Services Corporation in Chicago was the other Illinois organization to receive economic stimulus funds for implementing electronic health records, in the amount of $746,671.  ‘Because they can be shared instantaneously with multiple doctors and can be transmitted hundreds of miles in seconds, electronic health records are an effective tool for improving the quality of health care and saving lives,’ Durbin said in a statement…. Dr. James Dove, president emeritus of Prairie Cardiovascular, says electronic health records eliminate error and boost efficiency.” [Illinois Times, 10/8/09]
 
$630,000 in Recovery Act grants will help construct sidewalks for Oak Grove schools, increasing student safety. “Bartonville Mayor Rhonda Wolfe heard from state Rep. Mike Smith, D-Canton, that the village was the recipient of $630,000 of federal economic stimulus money to help pay for those same sidewalks on the north side of Pfeiffer Road.  Students who attend Oak Grove East and West schools on Pfeiffer Road in Bartonville don't receive bus service.  ‘There is no physical barrier, like a curb, between pedestrians and the Pfeiffer Road traffic,’ said Cory Reid, the School Board president and an Oak Grove parent… The grant covers 80 percent of the total cost of the program.  Bartonville will have to come up with about $157,000 of its own.  ‘We'll find a way to fund that,’ Meyer said. ” [Peoria Journal Star, 9/22/09]
 
A $19 billion Recovery Act allocation is going toward rebuilding local roads, returning jobs to areas of Carlyle Lake and Rend Lake.  “Millions in the federal stimulus dollars are rebuilding metro-east highways and waterways and returning jobs to the area.  Approximately $19 million in stimulus money has helped refill job vacancies at southern Illinois recreational areas.  Both Carlyle Lake and Rend Lake have hired temporary employees.  [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman, George]  Stringham said three temporary full-time employees were hired to stay on through September 2010.  Another 10 temporary employees were hired this summer, and there are plans to hire 10 more temps next summer... Carlyle Lake hired 15 temporary employees and 13 were temporarily hired at Rend Lake to restore services to camp grounds.  According to the federal government's official stimulus-tracking Web site, www.recovery.gov, Illinois will have created and saved an estimated 148,000 jobs in the next two years.” [Belville News-Democrat, 9/21/09]
 
Recovery Act funds supported 7,300 summer jobs for Chicago youth.  “More than 19,000 youths worked this summer, thanks to the City of Chicago's summer job program for youths, Youth Ready Chicago, city officials said.  For students and young adults, ages 14 to 24, the city made available 19,100 summer jobs with various public and private agencies throughout Chicago.  Nearly $43 million from federal, state and private funds were made available to pay the workers for summer employment.  Federal stimulus funds - $17.3 million - afforded the city to add 7,300 additional spots to the program...” [The Chicago Defender, 9/18/09]
 
Illinois Institute of Technology applied for $60 million in Recovery Act resources to lower electricity bills, reduce blackouts, make energy cleaner and create green jobs. “Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) announced today a $120 million statewide initiative to speed the adoption of the Smart Grid in Illinois.  This initiative seeks to bring $60 million in federal stimulus money to Illinois to lower electricity bills, reduce blackouts, make energy cleaner and create green jobs... The collaboration is nationally significant in that it is working to speed the effective adoption of the Smart Grid through a unique community, consumer, and market-based approach.  With engagement at each of these levels, this project provides a format to ensure the expected benefits of Smart Grid adoption are widely adopted.  Benefits to Illinois:  Lower electricity bills through the Community Implementation model; blackout mitigation and elimination of other power interruptions for homes and businesses; Cleaner energy, and reduced carbon emission, by reducing peak demand for electricity.” [Chicago Press Release, 9/15/09]
 
Illinois Institute of Technology will direct Recovery Act funds to create green jobs, lower electricity bills, reduce blackouts, make energy cleaner.  “Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) announced today a $120 million statewide initiative to speed the adoption of the Smart Grid in Illinois.  IIT is leading the Illinois Smart Grid Collaboration with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, Village of Oak Park, Galvin Electricity Initiative, and more than 50 companies to make Illinois a hub for the effective innovation, validation, deployment and evaluation of Smart Grid technology.  This initiative seeks to bring $60 million in federal stimulus money to Illinois to lower electricity bills, reduce blackouts, make energy cleaner and create green jobs. ’This Collaboration will help create an electrical grid that is secure and reliable,’ said Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. ‘This investment will create jobs and ensure Illinois families and businesses have access to technology that will lower their energy use, and their energy costs.”  [Reuters 09/09/09]
 
Illinois is set to receive Recovery Act money for forest health protection projects.  “Illinois will receive more than $2.8 million in federal stimulus money for forest health protection projects. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the funding Wednesday. Two projects in Illinois are among 78 projects selected for funding in 30 states. The money – nearly $89 million nationally – will go toward restoring health to forests on federal, state and privates lands in areas recovering from fires, forest insects and disease outbreaks. The Forest Service's recovery Web site says specific projects in Cook and Kane counties will be selected by the state of Illinois.”  [Associated Press, 9/10/09]
 
Winnebago County will use Recovery Act funds to renovate affordable housing for elderly and disabled residents.  “The Winnebago County Housing Authority will get $2.3 million to renovate the Collier Gardens Apartments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, more commonly known as the federal stimulus package.  Winnebago County Housing Board Chairman Fred Wescott, who also represents the 9th District on the County Board, announced the grant during Thursday’s board meeting.  ‘We just found out this afternoon,’ Wescott said, adding that the Winnebago Housing Authority was one of 15 nationwide to share in $1 billion in grants.  ‘There are some big ones on the list, like Indianapolis, Seattle, and then little old Winnebago.’  The money, which is funneled through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, will be used to renovate the 150-unit apartment complex on Searles Avenue.  The apartments are available to people who are 62 or older and/or are disabled, with a household income of less than or equal to $35,650 for singles and $40,700 for two people.  Wescott said there is a waiting list every year for apartments.” [Rockford Register Star, 9/4/09] 
 
The number of jobs created or saved by the Recovery Act increased by more than 50 percent from June to July.  “The number of jobs created or saved by infrastructure projects funded by the U.S. economic stimulus plan increased by more than 50 percent in July from June, according to a report on Wednesday.  By the end of July, 77,470 jobs had been ‘created or sustained’ by water, highway and public transportation projects, compared to slightly less than 50,000 jobs at the end of June, said the report from a House of Representatives committee.  A single state, Illinois, accounted for nearly a fifth of the total by creating or sustaining 15,388 jobs, according to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee… California, which was given a large share of the infrastructure funds included in the $787 billion stimulus plan, tallied 10,146 jobs.  There have been 5,953 jobs created or sustained in Texas, which also received a significant portion of the transportation earmarks.” [Reuters, 9/2/09] 
 
Recovery Act will pay for schools in Illinois’ Community Unit District 300 to conduct mid-year testing to identify students’ problem areas and address them within the school year.  “This year, Hampshire, Jacobs and Dundee-Crown high schools will introduce a new test created by Scantron.  The computerized exam will test students' reading and math skills at the start, midpoint and end of the year.  The results, which will not factor in students' grades, will allow teachers to adjust their lessons to tackle specific weaknesses found by the test.  ‘With once-a-year state assessments, we can't show growth until we've lost those students,’ said Carole Cooper, director of accountability and assessment for District 300.  ‘What we want to do is to be able to show the public and the board that these students are learning - within the time frame of the school year.’ The high schools are set to start testing freshmen this year.  If educators are able to use the data to improve teaching during the course of a school year, students in higher grades will start taking the exam.  Terry Mootz, associate principal for curriculum and instruction at Dundee-Crown High School, said the test will enable the school to fine tune its teaching as it continues to implement a state-mandated restructuring plan… The test costs about $98,000 a year, according to the district, and will be paid for with federal stimulus funds.” [Daily Herald, 8/31/09] 
 
Calhoun County Will Use Recovery Act Funds to Resurface Road.  “During a news conference Tuesday at the Calhoun County Highway Department complex south of Hardin, County Engineer Barry Webster and Calhoun County Democratic Party Chairman Paul ‘Snow’ Herkert discussed additional federal funding for resurfacing the entire 13.46 miles of County Highway 1, as well as the effort to get the state of Illinois to take over maintenance of the road, because it is a through highway. Illinois Route 100 comes into Hardin, but once outside the city limits, it becomes County Highway 1 rather than continuing as a state highway. Webster said the county received $157,000 from the federal stimulus package, which will pay for resurfacing about one-half-mile of County Highway 1, starting from the Hardin village limits.  Hare has secured the $475,000 from the omnibus appropriations; Webster said that would pay for resurfacing about another 2 to 3 miles of the road.  The estimated cost of resurfacing County Highway 1, upgrading it to accommodate 80,000-pound truck loads, is $3 million, leaving about an additional $2.5 million to complete the project.” [The Telegraph, 9/1/09] 
 
Recovery Act incentives are jump-starting government-backed loans to small Chicago-area firms, creating almost a year’s worth of activity in the last few months.  “Federal stimulus incentives are jump-starting government-backed loans to small Chicago-area firms, creating almost a year’s worth of activity in the last few months... Last year’s credit crisis brought SBA-backed lending to a near-standstill... The $787-billion stimulus package set aside $733 million for SBA loan incentives, immediately waiving borrowers’ fees that typically run about $53,000 for a $2-million loan.  Since February, Illinois borrowers have  saved $4.8 million in fees on 861 loans totaling $351.3 million, counting all types of SBA loans… The stimulus also raised the SBA’s guarantee to 90%, up from 75% to 85%, allowing banks to make bigger, riskier loans than they otherwise could with regulators urging them to be more cautious.  ‘That 90% loan guarantee has been a godsend,’ said Jeff Scott, executive vice-president in the Schaumburg office of First Colorado National Bank, the second-biggest SBA lender in Illinois by dollar amount.  ‘We were effectively shut down for four or five months.’  In Illinois, two-thirds of this year’s deals, in terms of loan volume and number of loans, have come in the last six months, after the federal stimulus package was enacted.’” [Crain’s Chicago Business, 8/29/09] 
 
Recovery Act will pay for coal city construction company to work on sewer project, bringing Streator up to EPA safety requirements.  “The Streator City Council met in special session Thursday… The council approved a $13,445,347 loan agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the Kent Street interceptor sewer project.  The loan is for 20 years at zero interest as part of the federal stimulus package… The multi-year project entails replacing the 88-year-old combined sewer systems and separating the individual sanitary and storm water piping systems.” [The Times, 8/27/09] 
 
University of Chicago will use Recovery Act Funds to Research Nuclear Physics. “UChicago Argonne LLC, Chicago, won a $13,260,000 federal contract modification from the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Locations, Chicago, for an additional research in nuclear physics and for advanced scientific computing research under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” [Targeted News Service, 8/29/09] 
 
Sangamon County is using Recovery Act money to create new programs to help people cover a variety of expenses, from school clothes to dental bills.  “Helping low-income families buy new school clothes is one way Sangamon County is using federal stimulus money to help people in need.  With the infusion of stimulus cash, the county Community Resources Office has created programs to help people cover the costs of school clothes or dental bills, among other expenses.  And some existing programs, such as one that helps people pay the cost of going to and from work, are being expanded.  The new initiatives also include a voucher program that pays for copies of birth certificates for people who want to enroll their children in the Springfield School District’s Early Start program.” [The State Journal Register, 8/27/09] 
 
Elmwood Park will use Recovery Act money for a repaving project; river grove will use funds for a sewer improvement project.  “Just as most road projects in Elmwood Park and River Grove are winding down, new ones are popping up.  In Elmwood Park the on-again, off-again Fullerton Avenue resurfacing project is on again, according to Village Manager Jay Dalicandro. In River Grove, a sewer improvement project on the south end of the village is scheduled to begin in mid-September.  At the Aug. 17 Village Board meeting, Dalicandro said he received word from the Illinois Department of Transportation that Fullerton Avenue would be paved from Webster Street to 76th Avenue this year.  Funding for the project will come from federal stimulus transportation money.” [Elmwood Park Leaves, 8/25/09] 
 
Illinois will use Recovery Act funds to retrofit equipment, buildings with green technology, produce biofuels.  “The U.S. Department of Energy delivered more than $119 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects last week to a variety of states and territories… The funds will support renewable energy projects; loan, grant, and rebate programs; energy education, training, technical assistance, marketing, and outreach; and energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households, public buildings, schools, industrial facilities, tribes, and nonprofit organizations.  For example, Illinois, which has received $40.5 million, will spend the funds on energy efficiency retrofits and support for the state's biofuels industry.  The state will provide grants to support new biofuels production facilities or retrofits to existing biofuel facilities that will help reduce their operating expenses and environmental impact.  In addition, Illinois will join Alabama, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C., in spending a portion of the SEP money on energy efficiency upgrades for government buildings.” [Reuters , 8/24/09] 
 
The Illinois Department of Transportation estimates that the recovery act has funded 21,000 hours of work.  “The federal stimulus package put John Viveros back to work.  A construction worker without anything to build, he didn’t have a steady job from December until May.  He kept busy with the occasional odd job, but nothing like the 60-hour work weeks he was used to… Then, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act brought about $6 million in road work to Winnebago and Boone counties. Since May, those projects have provided 21,000 hours of work — the equivalent of more than 40 full-time jobs, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation… Dal Santo estimates that as many as 30 members of his local went from no work to getting at least some because of the stimulus. Others increased their workload… Viveros, the construction worker, is one of several people who are raising more than 200 manholes along the resurfaced stretch of Illinois 2 in downtown Rockford. He looks forward to other work — building projects, utility pipelines and other roads. But he said he and his co-workers are glad the stimulus package gave them something to do in the meantime.” [BusinessRockford.com, 8/23/09] 
 
Canton, Illinois awarded A Recovery Act funded grant to build infrastructure for a bio-medical manufacturing facility and business park, creating up to 300 jobs.  “A $1.6 million grant of federal stimulus funds has been awarded to the City of Canton to help build infrastructure for a bio-medical manufacturing facility and business park, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced Monday.  Mayor Kevin Meade said the grant, which Canton applied for, will be used for curb and gutter work, a water run-off system and roads at the former International Harvester site for the Cook Canton project, according to reports.  Meade said the infrastructure projects will help not only the Cook site but make the entire development more attractive to other potential businesses.  The project, made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is expected to create additional jobs and generate private investment in the region, Locke said.  He added, ‘The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation’s economic competitiveness.  This grant will help diversify the Canton area’s economy and create new higher-skilled, higher-wage jobs in the bio-medical sector.” [The Daily Ledger, 8/18/09] 
 
Recovery Act funds used in north Chicago to improve driving surface of Martin Luther King Drive and reconstruct sanitary sewer.  “North Chicago gets stimulus funding for MLK project.  The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the city stimulus funding to reconstruct the sanitary sewer within the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Rehabilitation Project.  The Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Rehabilitation Project consists of new storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, street lighting, traffic signals and asphalt surfaces. The project began in March and is set for completion in September 2010.  The project will provide an improved driving surface as well as larger capacity sewers to improve the underground infrastructure of the city.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding is providing $876,428 of the $1.7 million loan the city is using to pay for the new sanitary sewer.” [Lake County News-Sun, 8/18/09] 
 
Illinois Will Use Recovery Act Funds to Construct New Bridge.  “Officials from Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration announced that the project along Interstates 55/70 at their interchange with Illinois Route 162 near Troy will begin Monday.  The $23.5 million project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and will be utilized for the removal of the existing bridge at the interchange, construction of a new bridge and a single-point interchange to increase the fluid movement of traffic.  The existing frontage roads also will be relocated, new traffic signals will be added and the installation of new lighting will accommodate the entire interchange reconstruction project. ‘We’re happy to announce that this project will eventually save time, reduce fuel costs for motorists and, most importantly, improve safety in the area,’ IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig said. ‘This highway project is one of many statewide funded by ARRA that has helped put contractors back to work and improve the quality of life for Illinois residents.’” [The Telegraph, 8/14/09] 
 
 
Fermilab “extremely grateful” for stimulus grant that will enable particle collider research.  “If they could, Fermilab officials would send out a big thank-you note.  ‘We are extremely grateful to the taxpayers of our country for this opportunity,’ said Judy Jackson, Fermilab communications director, after the Batavia physics laboratory received word Tuesday that it will be getting an additional $60.2 million as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Fermilab has already received $43 million in stimulus funds.  More than $57 million will be used on developing new technology for a particle collider to replace Fermi's Tevatron... ‘It really is critical to the laboratory's future,’ she said.” [Chicago Daily Herald, 8/5/09]
 
The Chicago School System installed a coordinator of special projects and resource procurement using Recovery Act funds. “The School Board has approved creation of a new administrative position using federal stimulus dollars.  Heartland Elementary School Principal Margaret Pennington was appointed to the position of coordinator of special projects and resource procurement.  She will be responsible for seeking resources and grants to supplement the district's revenue.  According to School Superintendent Kent Mutchler, the trying economic times make this position more essential.  Additionally, Pennington will work on special projects including school life-safety problems… Funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will cover the salary and benefits for this new position.” [Beacon News, 8/2/09]
 
Nearly 40 Recovery Act-funded transportation projects are planned in DuPage County.  “An infusion of federal stimulus money is a significant reason why motorists are seeing so much orange on DuPage County's roads this construction season.  While towns throughout the county had to scale back on capital projects this year because of budget cuts, the Illinois Department of Transportation received a $936 million boost from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.  As a result, the state is able to do nearly 40 projects in DuPage, including the resurfacing of Route 53 in Lombard and the resurfacing of Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove.  ‘If they didn't have the stimulus bill, they wouldn't have as many projects going on as they do,’ said Chuck Tokarski, DuPage County's engineer.” [Chicago Daily Herald, 8/1/09]
 
Sangamon County scheduled to triple home weatherization using Recovery Act apportionment.  “Sangamon County hopes to weatherize 250 to 270 homes this year — about three times the number of applicants it helped last year — with its influx of federal stimulus funds for the program… The national program, which pays to install insulation in the homes of income-eligible applicants, is receiving $4.7 billion in stimulus funds — more than 10 times the $447 million originally planned by Congress this year.  A total of $227 million was spent on the program in 2008.  Illinois will receive about $97 million for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program this year, and $242.5 million over three years, said John Coglan, vice president for public policy for the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies.” [State Journal Register, 7/25/09]
 
Illinois rolled out a first time homebuyers incentive program to advance use of Recovery Act cash.  “The Illinois Housing Development Authority program rolled out its Illinois Home Start Loan Program Wednesday.  It provides qualifying homebuyers with a 30-year fixed-rate FHA loan and up to $6,000 toward a down payment.  The state agency will advance a portion of the $8,000 federal tax credit created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Qualifying first-time homebuyers are currently set to receive the $8,000 federal tax credit next year after completing their 2009 individual income tax return.” [Crain’s Chicago Business, 7/22/09] 
 
A Recovery Act award to the Lake County Health Department will be targeted to the expansion of facilities as demand grows.  “The Lake County Health Department is among 36 community health centers in Illinois to receive a capital improvement grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The grant of $1,715,660, allocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will assist the health department to increase access to care through the implementation of several capacity enhancing projects.  Funds will be used to expand the health department's Mid-Lakes Health Center in Round Lake Beach.  This facility is the health department's only health center in western Lake County, where the demand for services is growing.” [Wheeling Countryside, 7/23/09]
 
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency was given Recovery Act money to reduce diesel emissions from 675 vehicles.  “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded nearly $4.2 million to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to clean up on-and off-road diesel vehicles and equipment in the state, the federal agency said Tuesday.  The funds, provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, are part of the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program.  The award was given through a funding competition that drew 81 grant applications requesting more than $211 million; the Illinois award was chosen to maximize both economic impact and emissions reductions, the federal EPA said.  The cleanup will affect 675 eligible diesel vehicles or engines in 21 fleets, the EPA said. Twelve of the projects, with 521 vehicles, will occur in either Chicago or in Metro-East areas that do not meet national outdoor air quality standards.” [St. Louis Business Journal, 7/21/09]
 
450 Illinois students enrolled in Recovery Act-sponsored employment and training program.  “Thalia Reyes, 16, is spending her summer making new friends, earning money and learning job skills as she explores nature on the site of a former auto-racing track.  ‘This has been a real good work experience,’ said Reyes, taking a break this week from clearing brush and pulling up non-native plants at the 330-acre Raceway Woods in Carpentersville… The Larkin High School senior said she is learning things she never would have experienced thanks to the youth employment program administered through Elgin Community College and the Kane County Department of Employment and Education.  The work is being funded through a $2.1 million allocation from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act. This summer the program has placed 450 students between the ages of 16 and 21 at 375 job sites in Kane, DeKalb and Kendall Counties, said Dee Reinhardt, a Kane marketing coordinator.” [Chicago Tribune, 7/17/09]
 
Chicago Transit Authority saw first of 58 hybrid buses financed with portion of $241 million Recovery Act grant.  “The Chicago Transit Authority has received its first articulated hybrid bus purchased with federal stimulus funds.  The CTA is scheduled to receive $241 million in stimulus money.  They have ordered 58 buses, which are set to arrive by this fall.  The buses are in addition to the 150 articulated hybrid buses already in its fleet… The CTA says hybrid buses are quieter, cleaner and run more smoothly. It's estimated that the hybrid technology will help save the agency more than $7 million annually.” [WLS – ABC, 7/6/09]
 
Senator Durbin announced targeting of $37 million to Illinois health clinics through Recovery Act capital improvements program.  “Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that 36 community health centers in Illinois will receive $ 37,435,380 in grant funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act… With these new funds, health centers will be to address immediate and pressing facility and equipment needs and create some much needed health center and construction-related jobs.”  Senator Durbin:  “Last year, over 1.1 million people in Illinois were treated at community health centers which administer health care to low-income families, many without health insurance.  Today’s funding will support this critically important work and lead to economic growth in many underserved communities as health centers serve as a key source of local employment and economic activity.” [Press Release – Senator Dick Durbin, 6/30/09]
 
$2.6 million allotted to the health clinics in communities outlying Chicago through Recovery Act.  “Three health centers in Illinois will share $2.6 million in federal stimulus money… Of the money, $1,147,645 will go to the Visiting Nurse Association in Aurora, $880,000 will go to the Greater Elgin Family Care Center and $616,240 will go to the Whiteside County Health Department and Whiteside County Community Health Clinic, Inc. in Rock Falls.  Beth Fiorini is the executive director of the Whiteside County Health Department. She says they'll use the money to build an addition to the local clinic and hire a social worker.” [Associated Press, 6/30/09]
 
Business employment skills team increased capacity of youth training and displaced worker programs using Recovery Act funds.  “Pam Furlan, BESTexecutive director, said many youths are working in parks as part of the program, which can employ up to 300 people.  ‘The recovery act allowed us to help more people,’ Furlan said.  The program, for those who are 14 to 24 years of age and meet federal eligibility guidelines, is the largest it's been since 2001, in large part to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  ‘The purpose is certainly to help businesses but also to make sure the youths are gaining some real skills,’ Furlan said… BEST was awarded $2,072,906 of the $122,768,467 received state-wide for Bureau, Putnam, La Salle and Lee counties, Furlan said.  In addition to the summer youth program, the funds have been used for adult services, $370,005; youth, $716,905, which includes the summer program; and 965,996 for dislocated workers.” [Ottawa Times, 6/29/09]
 
Metra gained additional $94 million from Recovery Act for safety, communications, and environmental improvements.  “U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded Metra a $94,222,481 grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  ‘The Recovery Act funding announced today will create good paying jobs in Illinois and increase the appeal of public transit as an affordable, reliable, environmentally friendly alternative to car travel,’ said Durbin.” [Press Release – Senator Dick Durbin, 6/25/09]
 
Randolph and Monroe Counties slated to receive $1.5 million in Recovery Act funds, saving over 400 jobs, permitting job retraining, and factory maintenance.  “Spartan Light Metals Products in Sparta is getting $734,000 for retooling machinery and employee retraining.  Funding will help the city retain nearly 300 jobs.  The village of Valmeyer in Monroe County will get $750,000 to stabilize a steel ceiling in the Rock City development, allowing 100 jobs to be retained. KBMJ, Inc. will get $85,000 as a new business to serve Monroe County as a full service print shop.  The operation will support two full-time jobs and one part-time job.  All funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, legislation signed earlier this year by President Barack Obama. [Southern Illinoisan, 6/25/09]
 
Lake County receives roughly $40 million from Recovery Act for transportation projects.  “One of the indirect effects of the stimulus is the jobs that will be saved… All told, nearly $40 million has been programmed to date for transportation improvements in Lake County, covering more than 19 miles of roads and one bridge-deck resurfacing – on Buckley Road in Libertyville over the Des Plaines River.” [Lake County News-Sun, 6/13/09]
 
Recovery Act dollars allotted to Illinois create employment opportunities and training programs for hundreds of underprivileged teenagers.  “The State of Illinois says hundreds of teenagers will be matched with summer jobs thanks to federal stimulus money.  Experts say jobs can be a good way to keep young people off the streets, out of trouble and away from violence.  The summer job outlook for teens had looked bleak with companies cutting back this year.  But the state reported Thursday 2,500 young people will be matched with summer jobs thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  That's on top of 15,000 jobs that were already available. [WLS—ABC Chicago, 6/4/09]
 
$4.1 million zero interest loan goes to city of Dixon to finance water treatment; mayor touts potential $1 million taxpayer savings.  “Dixon Mayor Jim Burke says the loan could save taxpayers more than $1 million over 20 years and taxpayers would likely see that savings with adjusted water rates.  Rep. Bill Foster says the new facilities means that the community will have safe and healthy drinking water.” [Associated Press, 6/5/09]
 
Vermilion County receives $449,719 to support employment programs for young people, providing otherwise nonexistent jobs through several agencies.  “This summer, Renae Adams hopes to find a job typing and filing, or landscaping. Jeffrey Harris hopes to land work building or remodeling a house.  You might think that could be pretty tough in this tight job market, especially since Harris and Adams are teens.  But two new summer youth work programs funded with federal stimulus money could give them and other Vermilion County residents, ages 14 to 24, a chance to do that.” [Urbana-Champaign News-Gazette, 6/4/09]
 
Fortune’s “Meet the stimulus hires” – Esmeralda Pineda, Chicago.  “One Tuesday afternoon last year, everyone was told their hard work had been appreciated, but there was no choice but to close the company down…Now I'm working for a bigger company and learning new roles, like helping out in HR. I'm traveling, meeting different kinds of people in different time zones.  There's no more promotion ceiling on my job. I even got to meet Vice President Biden when he toured our factory.  It feels great to be part of something big.” [Fortune, 6/1/09]
 
Illinois SBA official: since the Recovery Act was passed, the decline in loan volume has stopped and the trend is definitely upward.  "‘The recovery act dollars are available, they're being used and they're already having an impact,’ said Valerie Ross, Springfield branch manager for the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Under the act, the SBA has offered loan programs that can eliminate loan fees and provide guarantees for small businesses.” [The News-Gazette, 5/28/09]
 
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale received funding for student and teacher training from the National Institute of Health.  By supporting jobs in the fields of education and science, the funding also provides additional benefits that will result from the training. [The Southern, 5/26/09]
 
Recovery Act funds will pay for Illinois hospitals to train scientists, conduct research on influenza.  Five Illinois universities and a hospital will divide $2.5 million in Recovery Act funding for biomedical research and training. [Associated Press, 5/15/09]
 
Elgin Community College will use Recovery Act funds to create a summer jobs program for 16 to 24 year olds.  “The program offers participants a chance to serve their community by working on green projects, earn a salary, and receive educational resources.” [Northwest Herald, 5/12/09]
 
Argonne National Laboratory will receive Recovery Act funds to establish two energy frontier research centers. [Southtown Star, 5/10/09]