Peoria-Area Grantees Announced after $8.6M Settlement with Energy Company

Following a multi-million dollar settlement with the owner of the E.D. Edwards coal plant, Peoria-area organizations met today at Mt. Zion Baptist Church to celebrate the grants being awarded as part of the settlement process. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit and three community partner organizations who advised during the selection process announced a wide range of projects that will help the community transition as the plant prepares to retire.

The settlement of the lawsuit, brought under the Clean Air Act in 2013, provided a total of $8.6 million dollars for workforce development, healthcare-related funding, and clean energy projects. It also provides for the Edwards plant to close by the end of 2022 -- pending approval by regulators. 

The settlement sets aside $6.88 million for public health and environmental programs and $1.72 million for job retraining and/or retraining programs to be carried out by nonprofits and municipal agencies in the greater Peoria area. The money will be used to fund local workforce development; electric school and transit buses to replace older diesel buses; energy efficiency upgrades in low-income homes; solar panels on schools, community, and government buildings; and lung-health education and medical interventions. 

“The Tri-County Urban League (Peoria, IL) is pleased to have the opportunity to assist former Edwards workers and Southside residents to pursue career opportunities to uplift themselves and their families. The Workforce Empowerment Program will offer a comprehensive array of services that lead to industry-recognized certifications and gainful employment.” -Laraine E. Bryson, President, Tri-County Urban League, Inc.

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