West Cook News

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, representatives from Senator Duckworth’s office, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Village of Dixmoor gathered today to announce the completion of the Dixmoor Watermain Infrastructure Improvement Project. The project addresses long-term water issues in Dixmoor that began in 2021 after multiple main breaks resulted in the failure of the water distribution system, leaving Dixmoor without a reliable water supply. The total project cost amounted to $3,026,166.

“We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Kelly, the Army Corps of Engineers and all our partners for their commitment to ensuring that Dixmoor residents have access to reliable and safe water," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "This project is a testament to what we can accomplish when federal, county and local governments work together to address critical infrastructure needs. However, there is still much work to be done. We will continue to advocate for additional federal resources to improve vital water infrastructure, not only in Dixmoor but across all under-resourced communities in Cook County."

The Build Up Cook program under the Cook County Bureau of Asset Management partnered with the Village of Dixmoor to address ongoing water distribution system issues. After understanding critical infrastructure needs and funding challenges, they collaborated with the Army Corps of Engineers. Work on the project began in spring 2023 and was completed earlier this summer.

“This project would not have happened without the hard work, dedication and commitment to the residents of Dixmoor from everyone gathered here today for this ribbon cutting,” said Dixmoor Village President Fitzgerald Roberts. “While we still have a lot of work to do, there is no question we are getting closer to permanent solutions needed for reliable water service in our community. On behalf of the residents of Dixmoor, I thank state, federal and county leaders and our amazing staff in Dixmoor for all their hard work on this project.”

The project included replacing an existing 8-inch water main with approximately 4,400 feet of new 12-inch main from Seeley Avenue (south of 139th Street), running south under the I-57 overpass and extending east to 143rd Street. Additionally, five existing water mains were capped throughout the area. The installation of new larger pipes and capping existing inaccessible aging mains will result in increased water pressure and system reliability while preventing water loss throughout the village.

Cook County provided a 25% local match ($721,666) needed to secure Army Corps assistance through Section 219 program of the Water Resources Development Act. Mayor Fitzgerald Roberts advocated for federal funding throughout this process playing a key role in engaging with partners while Congresswoman Kelly secured $2 million FY23 federal funding appropriation through Section 219 program.

"One of greatest challenges faced by communities nationwide is an aging public water infrastructure," said Congresswoman Robin Kelly."When Dixon's system failed three years ago residents went without clean drinking supply two weeks". "I am proud having secured federal funds improving Dixon's systems prevent future failures; Residents deserve clean reliable supply".

Senator Duckworth has also been working closely with Build Up Cook program understanding county needs aligning support fundings

“Every American—regardless race income zip code—deserves knowing systems carrying processing daily usage safe clean reliable,” Senator Duckworth stated." This why worked hard Drinking Water Wastewater Infrastructure Act included Biden Bipartisan Law; continuing advocating greater investments updating local infrastructures pleased seeing updates here look forward ensuring more benefiting counties statewide”.