Cook County Announces First Round of Grants for $10 Million Pollution Reduction Program

Fri, 10/04/2024 - 12:00

Four-year initiative helps suburban businesses reduce environmental impact

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced $1.4 million in grant awards today for six recipients of the Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) program. The initiative, led by the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) and the Chicago Urban League, supports dry cleaners, auto body and auto repair shops, metal finishers, metal fabricators and food and beverage manufacturers in suburban Cook County, helping them reduce environmental impact through pollution reduction.

“The BRITE program will assist businesses in reducing pollution and the use of toxic chemicals. Through our partnership with the Chicago Urban League, we aim to reach businesses in historically disinvested communities,” said President Preckwinkle. “Focusing on sustainable communities is a key pillar of my administration’s policy priorities. Programs like BRITE help make Cook County a better, healthier place for all who live and work here.”

The County has allocated approximately $2.3 million for free, on-site pollution reduction assessments and grant administration support. These assessments help identify ways businesses can reduce pollution and create a healthier environment for employees, customers and the community. Assessments specifically look for opportunities to reduce energy and water usage, increase waste diversion from landfills, reduce use of toxic chemicals in operations and help determine if the location is suitable for on-site renewable energy. DES has partnered with the Chicago Urban League on grant administration, including disbursing funds and identifying eligible local businesses for the BRITE program.

Approximately $7.7 million in subsequent grant funding has been made available for businesses to complete recommended enhancements identified during the assessment. This includes equipment installation, construction and training. Initial grants are being awarded to the following BRITE Program participants:

Sketchbook Brewing Company, Skokie - $185,436.98
Clad-Rex Steel, Melrose Park - $300,000
Kenny the Kleeners, Skokie - $246,475
The Greener Cleaner, Skokie - $300,000
QC Finishers, Franklin Park - $300,000
Sun Cleaners, Calumet City - $107,350

BRITE funds are still available, and businesses are encouraged to apply. Businesses can fill out an interest form in English, Spanish or Korean to schedule a free assessment. Additionally, any eligible businesses that have had a similar environmental assessment conducted by a DES partner or other third party since 2018 may still apply directly for the grant.

“Over the years, DES has conducted tens of thousands of environmental inspections at facilities throughout suburban Cook County,” said Ricardo Magallon, manager of DES’s Air Inspection Division and BRITE program manager. “The BRITE program is designed to help these facilities understand how they can reduce pollution from their operations and what it will cost to implement recommendations. We’re proud to offer funding to support pollution reduction at these businesses.”

Cook County is funding the BRITE program through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The County allocated over $100 million in ARPA funding to support a clean environment for all and to fight climate change.

For more information, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/BRITE.

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