Dixmoor breaks ground to improve troubled water main system with federal help
CHICAGO (CBS)-- South suburban Dixmoor's troubled water system is getting a federal lifesaver with crews finally breaking ground on a new water main system. Still, officials said the federal help is a small fraction of what's needed.
CBS 2 continues to report on Dixmoor's water woes. Back in February, thousands of water bottles were handed out to neighbors after cold temperatures caused pipes to burst.
It was a similar problem, last year.
Dixmoor faced at least five water main breaks. It forced two schools to close for several days.
Most recently in February, thousands of water bottles were handed out to neighbors after cold temperatures caused pipes to burst.
Back then, the village President Fitzgerald Roberts said an old infrastructure was to blame.
Local officials helped secure the $2.2 million in funding to start replacing old pipes. About 75% of the funding is coming from the federal level and Cook County is chipping in for the other 25%.
Village leaders are hoping the new project will help reduce water loss, enhance water pressure in the north end of the village and improve firefighting capabilities throughout the community.
On Monday, Mayor Fitzgerald Roberts called the project, "long overdue" and explained the whole project to truly overhaul the water system for the 3,500 residents in the community, is estimated at $49.5 million.
But where will the money come from?
CBS 2 learned U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly secured $4 million for fiscal year 2023 and U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson said he requested another $4 million for fiscal year 2024.
Roberts said every night he prays there won't be any more breaks to the century-old pipes.
"I pray that you guys continue to come together to help us complete this project," he said.
Village engineer Melanie Arnold explained the funding Dixmoor did secure will "allow the village to take our of service several aged mains that are just breaks waiting to happen," adding "by them just digging this part here, it's making me know this project is well on the way and Dixmoor will be taken care of with this infrastructure."
"We know first-hand that when infrastructure falters, other quality of life concerns are at risk," Cook Country President Toni Preckwinkle said at the groundbreaking ceremony. "Everyone has the right to access clean and safe water every day."
Arnold said the village anticipates the construction project will last through March of next year, but they believe water will start flowing by the end of 2023.
Illinois as a whole received a D+ last year for its drinking water infrastructure from the American Society of Civil Engineers.