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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Robert Leible, Superintendent of Water Production
DATE: August 27, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the City of Aurora to accept a grant award of $160,200.00 under a grant agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval for acceptance of grant funding via the Public Water Supply Energy Efficiency Grant Program, agreement No. PWS26201 (27-3312-23863), for the Water Production Division.
BACKGROUND:
The Public Water Supply Energy Efficiency Grant Program offers grant funding for the development and completion of energy efficiency projects at public water supply facilities. The original source of funding is federal via the US Department of Energy Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) State Energy Program. The purpose of this grant program is to enable units of local government to make energy efficiency upgrades to equipment identified from an energy audit. This is the second such grant applied for and awarded to the Water Production Division. The grant agreement/document is attached.
The awarded funding will support the costs for the replacement/upsizing of one existing finished water pump at the water treatment plant. More specifically, High Pressure Pump #3 was previously identified to be upsized from its original design capacity to increase the available capacity to pump finished water to the high-pressure portion of the water distribution system. The grant funding will reimburse project costs associated with 1) contracted electrical work to upgrade/modify the electrical system to accommodate the larger pump/motor combination as well as installation of variable frequency drive (VFD) pump control; 2) purchase of a new pump for the increase in capacity, and 3) acquisition of a larger horsepower motor for the pump. Replacement of the original constant-speed pump with VFD control and an upsized, higher efficiency pump increases pumping capacity, enhances system reliability, and reduces energy consumption.
DISCUSSION:
The grant budget amount is $178,000, with 90% awarded ($160,200) and a 10% match by the grantee ($17,800). Allowable costs for the project may be incurred through September 30, 2028.
A budget amendment will be completed as the grant funding is unbudgeted revenue. The grant funding will be placed in revenue account 510-4058-331.11-40. Project expenses are available in account 510-4058-511.74-41 and were originally approved via CIP I062.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The energy efficiency upgrades are estimated to save 128,200 kilowatt hours annually equating to savings of $13,000. In addition, the project is anticipated to qualify for an estimated $23,100 utility incentive, further improving the overall cost-effectiveness and return on investment of the energy efficiency improvements.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request committee and City Council approval authorizing acceptance of grant funding from the Public Water Supply Energy Efficiency Grant Program in the amount of $160,200.00.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the City of Aurora to accept a grant award of $160,200.00 under a grant agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the city has been awarded a grant via the Public Water Supply Energy Efficiency Grant Program for $160,200.00 for a Water Production Division project; and
WHEREAS, the grant funding will support the project costs for upsizing one finished water pump at the City of Aurora Water Treatment Plant; and
WHEREAS, a budget amendment will be completed, and grant funding revenue will be directed to revenue account 510-4058-331.11-40. Project expenses are available in account 510-4058-511.74-41 and previously approved via CIP I062.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the City is authorized to accept a grant award of $160,200.00 from the Public Water Supply Energy Efficiency Grant Program, and the Mayor or his designee may execute the grant agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.