'Joliet’s Water System Requires Strong Partnerships, Careful Planning:' City Manager Beth Beatty Announces

(The following edited press release is from Rosemaria DiBenedetto, city of Joliet director of media relations.)

JOLIET, IL — At Tuesday night’s Joliet City Council meeting, council members will vote on a proposed resolution to approve a Project Labor Agreement with the Will-Grundy Counties Building Trades Council and the Three Rivers Construction Alliance to advance construction work on the City’s Alternative Water Source Program — a landmark initiative to bring Lake Michigan water to Joliet residents by 2030.

“Ensuring the long-term reliability of Joliet’s water system requires strong partnerships, careful planning, and a shared commitment to delivering results,” announced Joliet City Manager Beth Beatty. “This Project Labor Agreement strengthens our ability to manage a project of this scale responsibly and efficiently. By establishing clear expectations and a collaborative framework, we are supporting a workforce that is prepared, highly skilled, and aligned with the city’s goals for safety, quality, and accountability.”

The Project Labor Agreement applies to eight major work packages that include essential improvements to the city’s water system, all of which are required to facilitate the delivery of Lake Michigan water by 2030. The agreement ensures cooperation between labor and management while minimizing the risk of project delays or cost overruns.

“The City of Joliet continues to make strategic, forward-looking investments to secure a reliable, sustainable water supply for future generations,” said Mayor Terry D’Arcy. “This agreement ensures that our infrastructure work is done by experienced professionals who take pride in their craft and in serving our community.”

The Alternative Water Source Program represents a once-in-a-generation investment in Joliet’s infrastructure. By tapping into Lake Michigan as its new water source, the city is addressing the region’s long-term water supply challenges, improving system reliability, and supporting future growth and economic stability.

The City of Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in the State of Illinois, 30 miles southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. At the 2020 census, the city was the third largest in Illinois, with a population of 150,362.