On the recordMay 18, 2016
I rise with great news about the city of Galesburg, Illinois. About a month ago, I spoke on this floor, and I urged the city to apply for low-interest, federally funded loans through the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. Many officials expressed legitimate concerns about the impact that might have on their budgets, so I worked with the city as well as with the U.S. and the Illinois EPA to see if those loans could be forgiven. Today I am so proud to announce that I have received assurances that up to $4 million in Federal funding will be forgiven. That will happen as soon as the city completes its application and receives formal approval. Mr. Speaker, all communities face challenges. What separates the great ones from the rest is whether communities can come together and solve these challenges. We still have work to do to protect children from lead exposure, but Galesburg is a great city, and I am proud that we are taking this important step together. ____________________
