OAK LAWN, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn has approved legislation aimed at tackling flooding around Illinois and protecting drinking water.

Quinn signed the measure into law Wednesday.

The plan was proposed by the Chicago Democrat during his annual “State of the State” address earlier this year and sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Dan Kotowski of Park Ridge and state Rep. Elaine Nekritz of Northbrook. It follows record rainfall and severe flooding last year that affected communities across the state.

The legislation expands the governor’s Clean Water Initiative and makes storm water management and green infrastructure projects available for state financial assistance.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency officials say the measure is expected to create 28,000 jobs.

The legislation takes effect immediately.

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