Politics & Government
Chicago Heights Officially Opens Valve to Homewood for Water Delivery
25-year deal between suburban neighbors at lower and predictable rates
(Chicago Heights, IL) – The Lake Michigan water the City of Chicago Heights will be delivering to the Village of Homewood and Flossmoor at favorable and predictable rates over the next 25-years officially began to flow yesterday.
The Mayors of Chicago Heights and Homewood met in Homewood on July 26 to inaugurate the flow of water to Homewood as well as the Village of Flossmoor.
The 25-year deal between the suburban neighbors will culminate in 100% water delivery by mid-September or earlyOctober, according to Gonzalez.
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“The water supply agreements grant Homewood and Flossmoor a reliable supply of Lake Michigan water at lower and predictable rates over the next 25-years,” said Gonzalez. “We expect that other south suburban communities will consider joining our regional water initiative that can provide cleaner and less expensive water at predictable prices over the long-term.”
Homewood Mayor Richard Hofeld and Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott were instrumental in the conception and execution of the deal, according to Gonzalez, and are “excellent” partners.
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The long-term water rate certainty would financially benefit other communities, according to Gonzalez.
“Beyond the initial, lower start-up water rate for Homewood and Flossmoor, the agreement’s long-term and predictable rates simplifies municipal budget-making,” said Gonzalez. “Other communities would also benefit from the same cost stability that Homewood and Flossmoor will enjoy.”
In September 2018, Chicago Heights and Hammond concluded an agreement to provide the capacity for 10 million gallons of Lake Michigan water to be delivered daily to communities in the south suburbs. Besides Homewood and Flossmoor, communities authorized to purchase the water under the Chicago Heights-Hammond agreement are Olympia Fields, Matteson, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, East Hazel Crest, and Sauk Village.
“The Chicago-Heights-Hammond agreement increases the supply of Lake Michigan water to more south suburban communities at extremely competitive rates,” said Gonzalez. “Beyond those competitive rates, more south suburban residents will have access to better quality, fresh lake water.”
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