Joliet City Council approves land donation for new water tower near Route 53 and West Breen Road

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Chicago Construction News staff writer

The Joliet City Council has approved the donation of land from Northpoint, through its real estate holding entity, TCIH Holdings, LLC, for construction of a water tower near Route 53 and West Breen Road.

“This is a significant step forward in the city’s implementation of the Alternative Water Source Program,” said Allison Swisher, director of public utilities. Swisher said Joliet has reached an agreement with TCIH Holdings to accept the donation of 1.317 acres of land for the construction of a new water storage tank that will serve the southeastern part of the city.

The agreement also includes approval for permanent and temporary easements for water mains and other utilities necessary for the city’s transition to Lake Michigan water.

Swisher and her department are leading efforts to design and construct a pipeline that will deliver Lake Michigan water purchased from the City of Chicago in collaboration with five neighboring communities. Under the water supply agreements governing the delivery of Lake Michigan water, Joliet must meet certain water storage capacity targets by 2040. The Alternative Water Source Program is central to the city’s plan to secure a long-term, sustainable water supply.

“The location for the water storage tank will play a crucial role in meeting these requirements and ensuring adequate water pressure and service for the southeastern areas,” Swisher said.

The 1.317-acre site, located in the Compass Business Park near Route 53 and West Breen Road, was selected based on modeling by the city’s engineering consultants.

In 2021, the previous administration entered into an annexation agreement for the business park, which included dedicating up to 20 acres of land for water and wastewater system purposes.

The agreement also provides for permanent easements and temporary construction easements for the installation of infrastructure needed for the Alternative Water Source Program.

The donated land will allow for the construction of an elevated water storage tank, essential for delivering water to Joliet’s southeastern area. This tank will not serve the Compass Business Park itself, and Northpoint, the park’s developer, will be responsible for building and funding a separate storage tank to meet its own water supply needs.

The donation is valued at approximately $377,000, providing significant cost savings for the city. The new tank will support both residential and industrial water service, ensuring reliable access to water and adequate firefighting capabilities in the southeastern part of Joliet.

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