Illinois Governor Pat Quinn made an appearance in the Quad Cities to present the city of Sterling with a grant.
Sterling was awarded a $1.3 million grant called the Illinois Green Infrastructure grant. The purpose of it is to revive the riverfront and add green infrastructure. The city will be turning the former Northwestern Steele and Wire site into a riverfront trail. The project will filter storm-water.
“Young people and young families are looking to live a healthy sort of green life,” said Lisa Bonnet who is with the Environmental Protection Agency. She said the riverfront will allow space for people to enjoy the riverfront, ride bikes, bring their families and see the gardens.
The grant was part of $5 million in investments for 13 communities throughout Illinois.