Go green as you control stormwater runoff.

Learn about the Illinois EPA’s Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) program with a spotlight on best management practices to control storm water 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 best management practices:

• for storm water runoff control
• to reduce localized and riverine flooding
• to protect surface water quality throughout Illinois

The session will present information on the GIGO Program, storm water runoff and its impact on local water quality, applicant requirements, and eligible management practices; including:

• two-stage ditch
• bioswales
• permeable pavement
• 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.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact the program coordinator, Nancy Ouedraogo at esarey@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.

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. 

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. He is 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. 

Miss the previous sessions?

Explore Additional Webinars in the Illinois EPA Financial Assistance Programs for Water Quality & Watershed Protection series 

• Session 1: Water Quality/Watershed Financial Assistance Programs 101 – The Big Picture (Recording: February 10, 2022) (Includes a run-through of the Amplifund system by Jeff Edstrom)
• Session 2: Nonpoint Source Pollution Control (Section 319) Grant FUNDING with a touch of Watershed-based Planning on the side! (Recording: May 17, 2022)