West Cook News

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced the allocation of $1.4 million in grants to six businesses as part of the Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) program. This initiative, managed by the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) in collaboration with the Chicago Urban League, aims to assist various suburban businesses such as dry cleaners, auto body shops, metal finishers, and food manufacturers in reducing their environmental impact.

"The BRITE program will assist businesses in reducing pollution and the use of toxic chemicals," stated President Preckwinkle. She emphasized that through collaboration with the Chicago Urban League, there is a focus on reaching historically disinvested communities. "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 set aside approximately $2.3 million for free pollution reduction assessments and grant administration support. These assessments aim to identify ways for businesses to reduce pollution by looking at energy and water usage reduction opportunities, waste diversion from landfills, reduction of toxic chemical use, and potential for renewable energy installation.

Approximately $7.7 million remains available for further grants to enable businesses to implement recommended enhancements such as equipment installation or training identified during these assessments.

The initial grant recipients include Sketchbook Brewing Company ($185,436.98), Clad-Rex Steel ($300,000), Kenny the Kleeners ($246,475), The Greener Cleaner ($300,000), QC Finishers ($300,000), and Sun Cleaners ($107,350).

Ricardo Magallon from DES highlighted that "the BRITE program is designed to help these facilities understand how they can reduce pollution from their operations." He expressed pride in offering funding support for pollution reduction efforts at these businesses.

Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Cook County allocated over $100 million towards maintaining a clean environment and combating climate change.

For more details about this initiative or to apply for an assessment or grant funding under BRITE program guidelines visit www.cookcountyil.gov/BRITE.