In a move to secure the basic necessity of clean water for its residents, Dixmoor, a village in Cook County, has seen the successful completion of its Watermain Infrastructure Improvement Project. As reported by the Cook County's Government, the collaboration between federal, county, and local governments culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to signify this achievement. The project's cost totaled $3,026,166 and was directed at ending persistent water issues that have compromised the water supply in Dixmoor since 2021.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle expressed gratitude for the combined efforts that made the project possible. "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," she said, as stated by the Cook County's Government. Although the project represents a significant accomplishment, Preckwinkle acknowledged that more work is needed and promised to actively seek further federal resources to continue to improve water infrastructure in under-resourced communities. In spring of 2023, the undertaking began and by early summer, the work was finalized, signifying an important stride in community development.
Dixmoor Village President Fitzgerald Roberts emphasized the collective effort behind the project. "While we still have a lot of work to do, there is no question we are getting closer to the permanent solutions we need to ensure reliable water service in our community," Roberts said, thanking various officials and staff. The improvements included replacing an 8-inch water main with approximately 4,400 feet of new 12-inch main, which will improve water pressure and system reliability, as well as capping old water mains that were contributing to water loss.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly actively secured federal funding, contributing to ensuring the project's success. "One of the greatest challenges faced by communities nationwide is an aging public water infrastructure," Kelly asserted, as per the Cook County's Government. She detailed how the residents of Dixmoor suffered when their water distribution system failed and left them without clean water for two weeks. Through the Section 219 program of the Water Resources Development Act, the Army Corps of Engineers provided the needed assistance, with Cook County supplying the local match funds.
