$140 million for pipe replacement
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will receive nearly $140 million in grant funding to help get lead and other contaminants out of the state’s drinking water.
The federal tax dollars will help Illinois remove and replace lead water pipes. Illinois leads the nation in the number of lead service pipes. The funds will also help remove and prevent contaminants, including forever chemicals known as PFAS in the state’s drinking water.
$8 million in unclaimed life insurance
The Illinois Department of Insurance reports it has assisted life insurance consumers collect more than $8 million this year from lost or unclaimed policies.
Officials said the states’ Life Policy Locator can be used by Illinoisans to find out if they are the beneficiary of a deceased relative’s lost or missing life insurance policy or annuity contract. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners reports that millions of dollars in life insurance benefits remain unclaimed each year.
‘Airport of the Year’ announced
The Illinois Airports of the Year awards have been announced by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The facilities were selected because of their cooperation and coordination with the state, safety record, maintenance of the facility, and promotion of aviation and educational events.
The Primary Airport of the year award went to Willard Airport in Champaign. Illinois is home to 100 public-use airports and heliports, with nearly 3,000 aircraft registered with the Federal Aviation Administration.