Crest Hill, Romeoville getting federal funds for water projects

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood announced that more than $12.66 million in Community Project Funding for local projects in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District has been finalized.

According to a news release from Underwood’s office, two Will County communities are among those benefiting from the funds for water infrastructure projects.

The village of Romeoville will get $959,757 to help protect public health in Romeoville and support the replacement of the village’s sanitary lift station, an essential part of the wastewater system.

The existing 60-year-old lift station has severely corroded, causing wastewater to occasionally back up into homes and businesses, according to the release. This project addresses the health and environmental hazards of wastewater exposure for almost 10,000 residents who are served by the lift station; businesses in the downtown area; and patrons of public facilities including recreational facilities, schools and a library.

The city of Crest Hill will get $200,000 to fund a corrosion control treatment study to examine how the new water source that the town is transitioning to will interact with the town’s existing water pipes, looking specifically at levels of copper and lead.

Crest Hill is part of the Grand Prairie Water Commission, a group of six communities in northern Illinois that will be using Lake Michigan as an alternative water source. The study is an important step in the transition that will ensure the community continues to have access to safe and clean water, according to the release.