Itasca accepts IEPA energy-planning grant to fund a community-wide energy-efficiency study

The Village of Itasca Board of Trustees on Aug. 6 recommended approval of a grant agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for the Illinois Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program to fund a community-wide strategic energy plan.

Trustee Ayani introduced the item and asked village engineering staff to describe the program. Michael (village staff) said Robinson Engineering applied in March 2024 on the village's behalf and the village was one of seven Illinois communities awarded funding. Michael said the grant will provide up to $48,500 (the staff figure given was $48,500) on a reimbursement basis to develop a comprehensive strategic energy plan that catalogs existing energy consumption, identifies stakeholders, and lists potential energy-efficiency measures including opportunities at the wastewater treatment plant, street lighting, and electric-vehicle charging infrastructure.

Michael said the grant was not budgeted for the current fiscal year because the program was announced after the budget was set; he noted the grant is reimbursable and will cover eligible planning expenses once costs are incurred. Trustee Ayani moved to recommend approving the grant agreement between the IEPA and the Village of Itasca; the motion was seconded and carried on roll call.

Next steps: the village will execute the grant agreement, proceed with the engineering consultant to inventory energy use, and develop the strategic plan. Grant-funded work will be reimbursed once eligible expenses are submitted and approved by the IEPA.