Lake Michigan, October 18, 2025
A significant $9.5 million contract for the construction of water receiving stations along Lake Michigan is currently awaiting the approval of the local village board. This initiative aims to enhance water management infrastructure, which is crucial for improving environmental monitoring and effectively preventing flooding in shoreline areas. The project represents a proactive approach to bolster environmental sustainability and safeguard the community against potential flooding challenges.
Oswego, Illinois Approves $9.5 Million Contract for Lake Michigan Water Infrastructure
Oswego, Illinois – The Oswego Village Board has approved a $9.5 million contract to construct Lake Michigan water receiving stations, aiming to enhance the village’s water management infrastructure and improve environmental monitoring and flood prevention along the shoreline. The project is set to begin in late 2025, with completion expected by 2028.
Project Details
The approved contract, totaling $9,466,000, was awarded to Elgin-based IHC Construction Co. The funding will be sourced from the village’s capital water and sewer fund, which is fully financed through a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan. This initiative is part of Oswego’s broader plan to transition from its current deep groundwater aquifer to Lake Michigan water, addressing concerns about the sustainability of the existing water source. The village secured a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in August 2023 to utilize Lake Michigan water.
Background and Financing
In May 2025, Oswego village trustees approved issuing $24.3 million in bonds to finance the Lake Michigan water project, which is estimated to cost $99 million. The project aims to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for the village, as the existing groundwater aquifer is projected to be in significant decline by 2033. The transition to Lake Michigan water is expected to be completed by 2028, with the new infrastructure playing a crucial role in this shift.
Environmental and Community Impact
The construction of the receiving stations is a critical component of Oswego’s strategy to enhance its water management infrastructure. By improving environmental monitoring and flood prevention along the shoreline, the project aims to provide long-term benefits to the community, ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for residents and businesses.
Related Developments in the Region
Other communities in the region are undertaking similar initiatives to secure sustainable water sources. For instance, Lake Zurich has approved a $154 million project to transition its water supply to Lake Michigan, addressing concerns about the sustainability of its current deep well aquifer system. Similarly, Yorkville is investing $18 million in a new water tank and receiving station as part of its $100 million Lake Michigan water project, aiming to meet the growing water demands of its residents and businesses.
Conclusion
The approval of the $9.5 million contract for the Lake Michigan water receiving stations marks a significant step for Oswego in enhancing its water infrastructure. The project is expected to provide long-term benefits to the community by ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply, while also improving environmental monitoring and flood prevention along the shoreline.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the $9.5 million contract approved by the Oswego Village Board?
The contract is for the construction of Lake Michigan water receiving stations, aiming to enhance Oswego’s water management infrastructure and improve environmental monitoring and flood prevention along the shoreline. The project is set to begin in late 2025, with completion expected by 2028.
How will the project be financed?
The project will be financed through a $9,466,000 contract with IHC Construction Co., funded by Oswego’s capital water and sewer fund, which is fully financed through a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan.
Why is Oswego transitioning to Lake Michigan water?
Oswego is transitioning to Lake Michigan water to address concerns about the sustainability of its current deep groundwater aquifer, which is projected to be in significant decline by 2033. The transition aims to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for the village, with completion expected by 2028.
What are the expected benefits of the receiving stations?
The receiving stations are expected to enhance Oswego’s water management infrastructure, improve environmental monitoring, and provide flood prevention along the shoreline, ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for residents and businesses.
Are other communities undertaking similar projects?
Yes, other communities in the region, such as Lake Zurich and Yorkville, are also undertaking projects to transition to Lake Michigan water, addressing concerns about the sustainability of their current water sources and aiming to meet the growing water demands of their residents and businesses.
Key Features of the Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | $9.5 million contract awarded to IHC Construction Co. |
| Funding Source | Capital water and sewer fund, fully financed through a WIFIA loan |
| Project Timeline | Construction begins in late 2025, completion expected by 2028 |
| Project Scope | Construction of Lake Michigan water receiving stations to enhance water management infrastructure and improve environmental monitoring and flood prevention along the shoreline |
| Community Impact | Ensures a sustainable and reliable water supply for residents and businesses, addressing concerns about the sustainability of the current deep groundwater aquifer |
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Author: Construction MI News
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