Water, Water Everywhere? Unfortunately, No. By GEORGE H. RYAN, Lieutenant Governor Chairman, Illinois Rural Affairs Council

As many readers are no doubt aware, many of the small towns and rural areas in Illinois are having more and more trouble in meeting their water needs. It seems to be especially pronounced in those areas south of a "line" from Monmouth through Peoria to Watseka.

We on the Rural Affairs Council certainly have received inquiries from local officials who need to get confirmation on new or expanded water supply systems. We came to understand that sometimes small town leaders and rural groups don't know how to tackle their water problems.

That's why I'm pleased that at the very end of March, we were able to announce a two-pronged water supply initiative: one aspect to provide information, the other to be a possible source of money.

First, with respect to the information, there is a toll-free number available to help officials cut their way through the thicket of programs and agencies that deal with water problems.

By calling 1-800-562-4688, which is the hotline for the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) officials can get access to the water supply "ombudsman." In effect, this assistance can tap into a clearinghouse which:

• serves as a contact point for all water supply questions and problems
• acts as a liaison with all of the agencies of state and federal government which have resources to bring to bear on water supply problems
• refers water supply inquiries and requests to the proper agencies
• monitors progress of each contact
• prepares a printed document listing all of the available state and federal water resource agencies, contacts, telephone numbers, and brief synopsis of programs available
• serves as an outreach source to insure public awareness of water supply resources and program assistance

As I mentioned, there's a second part as well, which can be a source of financial help.

Specifically, DCCA is making available up to $1 million from the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), Emergency Public Facilities set-aside program.

Those towns that meet the usual CDAP guidelines may be eligible to get up to $100,000 in aid. This is designed so that the funding could be accessed quickly, to address water emergencies, not through the yearly competitive process.

Which communities can apply? Those with fewer than 50,000 residents that are not in federal entitlement areas that get monies directly from the federal government. It will be necessary to show the urgent nature of the situation plus show how the project can address it — and the community's ability to proceed. Also, of those who will benefit, at least 51% must be of moderate or low income.

Unfortunately, the droughts of the last decade took their tolls on our Illinois municipalities' ability to deal with water supply issues. I'm pleased to see this level of response and support from the member agencies of the Rural Affairs Council: the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs; Department of Transportation; the Department of Energy and Natural Resources; the Department of Conservation; the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency; the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Finance Authority; the Farm Development Authority; the Illinois Housing Development; and the Department of Mines and Minerals.

For through this initiative we are able to shore up further still what we on the Rural Affairs Council see as our mission: to learn about the problems of small towns and rural Illinois, and take action to try to relieve those problems. •

May 1990 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 23