The Village of Cary is advancing a major infrastructure upgrade with the construction of a new water treatment facility—funded almost entirely through a $12 million principal forgiveness loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). With just days to act, the project team swiftly completed final submittals, secured board approvals, and submitted all required documentation, successfully locking in the full loan forgiveness before the June 30, 2025, deadline. With only $295,000 remaining as a 20-year loan at 1.87% interest, the project represents a remarkable achievement in funding strategy and project execution.
The project was first identified through a capital improvement plan and water/sewer rate study conducted with support from HR Green. As part of this early planning process, HR Green recommended the IEPA’s Public Water Supply Loan Program (PWSLP) and emphasized the importance of beginning the complex application process well in advance. That early foresight laid the groundwork for a successful funding pursuit.
After winning a competitive design and construction engineering contract in mid-2023, HR Green and the Village had only a few short months to complete the IEPA-required Project Plan—a technical document that includes a conceptual basis of design, state and federal-level environmental consultations, and a detailed narrative emphasizing the public benefit of the project.
Simultaneously, design work began under a compressed schedule, with 50% of the design completed by January 2024 and 90% by July 2024. The need to secure a temporary construction access and electric utility easement further complicated the design of the project—construction is in an isolated area within Rotary Park, roughly a one-mile hike along the park’s existing trail system. The Village successfully negotiated temporary and permanent easements with a nearby property owner to enable equipment access and power to the site, while HR Green worked to finalize utility coordination and permitting during the Fall of 2024.
To remain eligible for principal forgiveness, the project had to be out for bid by April 2025. This requirement added pressure to secure water and sanitary permits in a timely manner. The final permits were approved in March, allowing the project to meet the critical bidding deadline. Bidding took place over a 45-day window, with bid opening in late May 2025.
The final result is a nearly fully funded new 1,300 foot deep well and water treatment facility. The Village of Cary will be responsible for only a small portion of the total cost, enabling major infrastructure improvements without placing a significant financial burden on local taxpayers.
“This funding outcome is rare,” said Sylwia Kokoszka, Lead Engineer for HR Green. “The design, construction, and engineering oversight are all covered—this is a huge win for the Village of Cary.”
Construction is scheduled to begin shortly, with the completed facility expected to enhance water quality and system capacity for years to come. The project showcases the value of proactive planning, coordinated project delivery, and strategic use of funding resources.
