April 19, 2024
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Joliet, Shorewood support resolutions showing intent to create regional commission for Lake Michigan water

12 communities involved in talks for commission that may be formed in January

By Bob Okon
Blue pipes transport treated water through the Joliet Water Treatment Facility on March 22, 2017, in Joliet.

Blue pipes transport treated water through the Joliet Water Treatment Facility. (Shaw Media)

Joliet this week officially confirmed its intention to form a regional water commission for the city’s Lake Michigan water project, although it’s not the first community to do so.

The village board of Shorewood last week approved a similar resolution designed to demonstrate the serious intent of each of a dozen cities and villages now engaged in talks to form the commission that would share in the benefits and costs of the future Lake Michigan water system.

The Joliet City Council on Tuesday voted 8-0 for the the resolution stating the city’s need for Lake Michigan water and intent to participate in the formation of a regional commission.

The actual formation of the commission will occur with votes on intergovernmental agreements that commit the communities, said Joliet Utilities Director Allison Swisher.

“We won’t have the formal commitments until January of next year,” Swisher said.

State legislation is needed to authorize the commission, which Swisher said is expected to go the the General Assembly for a vote during the fall veto session.

Other communities participating in the talks to form the commission are Crest Hill, Channahon, Minooka, Rockdale, Romeoville, Lemont, Homer Glen, Yorkville, Oswego and Montgomery.

Joliet in January approved an agreement with the city of Chicago to develop a system to deliver Lake Michigan water by 2030. The project is aimed at replacing the deep wells that now supply Joliet but are expected to no longer meet peak water demand in the city by 2030.