Foster Visits Cathedral Area, Presents $3.5M Check To Joliet

JOLIET, IL — On Wednesday morning under sunny blue skies, Democratic Congressman Bill Foster visited Joliet's Cathedral Area to present Mayor Bob O'Dekirk and three City Council members with a $3.5 million ceremonial check.

The $3.5 million in federal funds will help Joliet defray its costs this year to replace miles of outdated underground water mains across the city.

"And another one of my federal duties is to make sure that when federal assistance arrives, it arrives in places where it does the most good," Foster remarked as he stood on Western Avenue. "And that's why I was so thrilled that we were able to secure $3.5 million of federal money, assistance to Joliet, to accelerate the replacement of the service lines, many of which are lead service lines and pose a public health risk."

In addition to O'Dekirk, Council members Terry Morris, Jan Quillman and Joe Clement attended Foster's visit to Joliet.

"I just want to thank Congressman Foster again for his commitment to Joliet," O'Dekirk announced. "As he said, the City Council has made a determination we're going to have sustainable water here in Joliet. Part of that process is changing out all the old water mains. Every water main built before 1970 is going to be replaced in the next few years.

"We're spending tens of millions of dollars on this and any help we're getting from Washington (D.C.) is greatly appreciated, so congressman, thank you for your leadership with this."