Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Program (SB 2146, Act No. 576)
- Policy Category: Drinking Water
- State: Illinois
- Date Implemented: 8/23/2019
08/23/2019
This Act was established to invest in clean water infrastructure and work force development by creating a Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Program, with funding from appropriations made from the Build Illinois Bond Fund, Capital Development Fund, or General Revenue Fund. Funds go to community organizations, educational institutions, workforce investment boards, community action agencies, and multi-craft labor organizations to implement training. Highlights include: “It shall be an annual goal of the Program to train and place at least 300, or 25% of the number of annual jobs created by State financed water infrastructure projects, whichever is greater, of the following persons in water sector-related apprenticeships annually: residents of environmental justice communities; residents of economically and socially disadvantaged communities; those returning from the criminal justice system; foster care alumni; and, in particular, women and transgender persons. In awarding and administering grants under this Program, the Department shall strive to provide assistance equitably throughout the State.”
- Action Agency(ies): Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, with coordination from Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Finance Authority, and "other State agencies that provide financial support for water infrastructure projects."
- Policy Champions: Representative Justin Slaughter, Senator Ram Villivalum, Sierra Club Illinois Chapter, Illinois Environmental Council, Faith in Place Action Fund, Laborers’ International Union of North America-Midwest Region, Illinois Pipe Trades Association, International Union Of Operating Engineers Local 150, Chicago Laborers District Council LMCC
- Read the full policy language
