Featured Stories

RPC Makes Online Scheduling Available for LIHEAP Appointments

Submitted by BridgetB on October 8, 2019 - 10:28am

For the First Time Ever, RPC Makes Online Scheduling Available for LIHEAP Appointments

Special page set up on the RPC website aims to make the LIHEAP process easier and more convenient for Champaign County residents

For the first time since the RPC has been managing the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Champaign County, customers will be able to make their appointments online instead of waiting in line at the RPC’s office to do so. The 2019-2020 program began on October 1, 2019, but starting today (Tuesday, October 8) people will be able to make their appointments through a special page set up at https://ccrpc.org/liheap.

City of Urbana and Sunpower Corporation Awarded Crucial State Solar Incentive

Submitted by AmandaF on October 7, 2019 - 10:26am

Urbana, IL - The City of Urbana’s Solar partnership with Sunpower Corporation to develop a commercial solar array on top of the City’s closed landfill has received a crucial financial incentive from the State of Illinois’ Solar For All program. The program provides financial incentives for developers to build new solar energy facilities that supply electricity to low income qualified households.

The City completed a qualifications based selection for a landfill solar developer at the end of 2017 and entered into a lease option with Sunpower Corporation, a global solar energy manufacturer and installer, to develop a solar array on the City’s closed landfill. On August 22, 2019 the City/Sunpower project was selected for a Low Income Community Solar incentive by the Illinois Power Agency’s Solar For All program. This incentive makes a landfill solar development commercially viable at the City’s closed landfill. Sunpower will now make all preparations required of approved vendors in the Solar For All program. Additionally, the City will convert the lease option into a long term lease pursuant to the terms of the lease option.

Tornado 2019 Damage Costs

Submitted by BridgetB on September 30, 2019 - 5:10pm

2019 Tornado SUNA The tornado that hit the southwest portion of the City of Urbana on May 26, 2019 devastated two residential areas in the form of neighborhood trees, personal property, and the neighborhood park.

According to a memorandum submitted to Mayor Diane Wolf Marlin from Urbana City Arborist and Supervisor, Kevin Sanderson, and Urbana Public Works Deputy Director of Operations, Vince Gustafson, the total clean-up cost was $131,259.66. This number includes both City and private debris clean-up.

An estimated 755 residence properties were affected by the storm. The City lost a total of 64 trees in these areas with an additional 89 trees in need of major pruning and clean-up. A total of 46 tree sites still remain scheduled for pruning repair of affected trees. Although most of the work is listed and recorded, there may be additional hours needed for the total clean-up as the need arises.

Census Bureau Data Helps Disaster Areas

Submitted by BridgetB on September 27, 2019 - 1:49pm

The impending U.S. Census, or Census 2020, is very important for the City of Urbana. Many probably never realized that Census data could affect how the City responds to a disaster. It's true! The information we're given will help us to better serve you in an emergency or a disaster-situation, as well as secure federal funding for important programs and incentives for residents and stakeholders of Urbana. However, this data is only as good as the count that is taken during the Census. Briefly, you must be counted, you must be counted only once, and you must be counted where you live on April 1, 2020.

Central Illinois is Unique in its Climate Designation

Helping to Create a Green Community: LRC

Submitted by BridgetB on September 25, 2019 - 4:17pm

LRC Topsoil

The Landscape Recycling Center is a community recycling center for local yard debris. We turn grass clippings, brush and tree trimmings into mulches and compost for sale to residents, landscapers, nurseries and businesses.

This not-for-profit facility serving Champaign County was started in 1987 to divert yard debris — which accounts for an overwhelming 25% of all waste in Illinois — from overcrowded landfills. LRC uses ecological and economical methods to recycle yard waste such as grass clippings, brush and plant cuttings into lawn and garden composts, topsoil and mulches that are available for purchase by residents and companies in Champaign County.

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