Regional Water Commission Gets $3.4 Million In Funding

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Congressman Bill Foster announced that the 11th Congressional District of Illinois will receive nearly $26 million in community project funding, including for a project for the City of Joliet for the support of a regional water authority.

The funding comes from the year-end omnibus spending bill, according to a release from Foster's office. The package has passed both the Senate and the House, and will now be sent to President Biden to be signed into law.

Foster requested funding for 15 projects, and all 15 received it. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding, according to the release.

The City of Joliet received $3,452,972 for the creation and support of a regional water authority. According to Foster's office, the funding will support the construction of infrastructure to bring Lake Michigan water to Joliet and surrounding towns.

Earlier this year, Romeoville joined the Grand Prairie Water Commission, with Joliet, Crest Hill, Channahon, Minooka and Shorewood. The commission's goal is to bring a water supply of Lake Michigan water on an "economical and cost-effective basis" for the towns.

"I’m proud that we were able to deliver this important funding to the 11th District," Foster said in a release. "One of my constant priorities as Representative of the 11th District of Illinois is making sure our communities receive their fair share of federal resources, especially for important projects that serve so many people. We received many worthwhile submissions, and it was difficult to narrow it down to 15, but I am proud of the projects we selected and can’t wait to see them come to fruition."