Foster Announces $1 Million USDA Forest Service Award for Aurora

Aurora, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that the City of Aurora will receive a funding award through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program totaling $1,000,000.

Made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress last year, the funding is designed to provide direct federal support to local communities for urban tree-planting and management. It will support the City of Aurora’s Urban Forest project, which includes development and implementation of an urban forest management plan, the planting of high-quality trees throughout the city, and enhanced workforce development to maintain the health of Aurora’s trees.

“This is great news for Aurora,” said Congressman Foster. “Improving the environment has been such an important part of Aurora’s growth in the decades I’ve known it, and this funding will go a long way to expanding the urban forest in Aurora, making it easier for people to get outside and enjoy nature without having to leave the city. I’m proud of the work the city is doing to plant more trees and maintain their health so that future generations can also benefit from expanded green spaces. I will continue advocating for federal resources for IL-11 communities to protect our local environment and its natural beauty.”

“Needless to say, we have a million reason to be excited about this news and the future of forestry in Aurora,” said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin. “Thanks to the USDA Forest Service and the integral local work led by the Aurora Tree Board and City staff, Aurorans will literally breathe easier well into the future because of the improved plans, maintenance, and health of our urban forest in the City of Lights.”

More information on the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program is available here.