Federal Grant Award Summary

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) received a $511,752 Project Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 under CFDA 66.034 (Surveys, Studies, Research, Investigations, Demonstrations, and Special Purpose Activities Relating to the Clean Air Act), effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2028. The award funds the establishment and maintenance of ambient air quality monitoring programs focused on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Illinois. Key deliverables include collection and submission of quality-assured PM2.5 concentration data to EPA's National Air Quality Database, upgrade of three existing monitoring shelters, addition of seven new monitors to the existing network, and timely dissemination of air pollution data to the general public.

The IEPA will support compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) established under the Clean Air Act by performing PM2.5 NAAQS comparisons, developing and tracking implementation plans, assessing regional haze, and providing technical assistance for health studies and ambient aerosol research activities. The anticipated short-term outcome is increased knowledge regarding PM2.5 characteristics and extent in ambient air, while the long-term outcome involves reduced PM2.5 concentrations and full compliance with applicable NAAQS standards. Direct beneficiaries are Illinois residents who will experience decreased risk of adverse health effects from fine particulate matter exposure. This award does not include subawards.