Rural Illinois communities get $25M in federal grants, loans

CHICAGO (AP) - Rural communities across Illinois are receiving federal grants and loans worth more than $25 million for economic development and local infrastructure projects.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced the funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday. He says the money will create good-paying jobs and help protect public health.

Greene County Rural Water in Carrollton and Jersey County Rural Water Company in Jerseyville each are receiving grants through the Emergency Community Water Assistance Program. They'll use the money to restore areas damaged by heavy rains and flooding.

A separate federal loan program helps towns with fewer than 10,000 residents develop drinking water and waste disposal systems.

Seven communities or water cooperatives are receiving loans. They include the city of Monticello, Mound City and the village of Palmyra.