Chicago Construction News staff writer
The City of Moline has broken ground on a $120 million project to modernize the South Slope Wastewater Treatment Plant, a key facility serving the Rock River Valley Regional Sewer System, including Moline, Coal Valley, and parts of East Moline.
The multi-year project, scheduled for completion in phases through 2029, will replace aging infrastructure and introduce advanced technologies to improve efficiency and compliance with environmental standards.
Planned upgrades include the demolition of outdated sections of the plant, replacement of treatment systems, modernization of core processes, and the installation of advanced phosphorus removal systems to meet Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati called the project “one of the largest and most significant infrastructure investments in our city’s history,” emphasizing that the upgrades will meet current needs and prepare the community for future growth.
“By diligently addressing deferred maintenance and planning for the future, we are safeguarding our water infrastructure to prevent the catastrophic failures that some communities have experienced,” he said.
The project is funded through a low-interest loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The city will borrow $120 million at a 1.9% interest rate, to be repaid over 30 years.
IHC Construction Companies, selected through a competitive bid process, will lead the renovations. City officials noted that the facility will remain operational throughout construction to ensure uninterrupted service.
The South Slope upgrade reflects Moline’s broader commitment to modernizing critical infrastructure and protecting the region’s water supply for decades to come.
