Illinois EPA Financial Assistance Programs for Water Quality & Watershed Protection Series: Getting Green ($) for Green Infrastructure and Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Best Management Practice Implementation (and where ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE fits)

Session 3: Getting Green ($) for Green Infrastructure and Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Best Management Practice Implementation (and where environmental justice fits) will provide an overview of Illinois EPA’s Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) program with a spotlight on best management practices (BMP) to control stormwater runoff! In 2021, during its first round, GIGO funded 11 projects. The next GIGO Notice of Funding Opportunity is anticipated to be released later in 2022. GIGO grant funds will be available for green infrastructure BMPs - for stormwater runoff control - to reduce localized and riverine flooding - to protect surface water quality throughout Illinois. The session will present information on the GIGO Program, stormwater runoff and its impact on local water quality, applicant requirements, and eligible BMPs; including; two-stage ditch, bioswales, permeable pavement, and wetlands. Presenters will use the 2021 GIGO applications to discuss tips for a more successful grant application. The session will conclude with a question and answer segment.

About the speakers:

• Christine Davis is the manager for the Watershed Management Section of the Bureau of Water at Illinois EPA’s Springfield headquarters. The Watershed Management Section has voluntary and regulatory programs to help protect Illinois’ surface and groundwater resources. Davis routinely works with not-for-profit organizations and local governments to successfully implement site-specific and watershed-wide nonpoint source pollution control practices, projects and programs. Prior to working at Illinois EPA, Christine was a Resource Conservationist for the Macon, Sangamon, and Macoupin County Soil & Water Conservation Districts for more than eight years. Davis has a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy from Western Illinois University and has invested thousands of volunteer hours to support environmental organizations in Sangamon County.
• Rufus Ajayi is an Environmental Protection Specialist with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. He joined the agency in 2020 and has been in the Non-Point Source unit of the Watershed Management Section in the Bureau of Water. Rufus works as a Project Manager with his unit. He is also involved in improving the involvement of Environmental Justice communities in combating non-point pollution in a bid to improve water quality and thus improve their quality of life. Just before joining the agency, Rufus completed a Masters in Environmental Health program at the University of Illinois at Springfield, during which he interned with the Illinois Department of Public Health. Prior to that, he worked as a medical doctor focused on Environmental health in Nigeria. Rufus is a lover of books, food, and history.