This morning Commissioners from the Grand Prairie Water Commission joined Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and other key stakeholders to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Commission’s Alternative Water Source Program including new infrastructure that will convey Lake Michigan water to more than 250,000 residents in Channahon, Crest Hill, Joliet, Minooka, Romeoville, and Shorewood.
The celebration was held at the site of the first construction project being undertaken by the Commission adjacent to Chicago’s Southwest Pumping Station and Durkin Park near West 84th Street and Kedvale Avenue in Chicago. The overall system will require the construction of more than 60 miles of new water transmission main as well as water pumping, storage, and delivery facilities between Chicago and the Commission communities. Construction of the improvements is projected to be completed in 2030.
Commissioners CC DeBold (Shorewood), John Noak (Romeoville), and Terry D’Arcy (Joliet) thanked Congresswoman Underwood and the City of Chicago for their support of the project, acknowledging the benefits that can result from collaboration between local governments and state and local officials.
Before leading event participants in a celebratory toast to the groundbreaking with Chicago water, Mayor Johnson also recognized the office of 18th Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis, Durkin Park Elementary school, and residents of the Scottsdale neighborhood where the first construction is taking place and thanked them for their support and cooperation as the Program moves forward.