Richmond announces $560,800 in funding to improve water infrastructure

The village of Richmond will receive $560,800 in federal funding to improve two aging water towers, it said in a news release.

The dollars were appropriated through a new federal Community Project Funding Initiative, which allowed U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood to request direct funding for projects in her district, according to the release.

About $10.5 million was secured for 10 projects across the district, according to Underwood’s office.

This funding will be used to rehabilitate the water towers, which serve Richmond residents. Recent inspections of the towers revealed blight and decaying conditions that potentially pose a threat to public health and safety, according to a village news release.

Further delay in restoration could result in water quality violations and service disruptions, which may impact emergency fire department water supply, the village said.