The Joliet City Council passed a resolution on Tuesday approving the donation of land from Northpoint via its real estate holding operation, TCIH Holdings, LLC, for the construction of a future 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. According to Swisher, Joliet has reached an agreement with TCIH Holdings, LLC (Northpoint) to accept the donation of 1.317 acres of land for the construction of a new water storage tank that will serve the southeastern area of Joliet.

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

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

“The identified location for the water storage tank will play a crucial role in meeting these requirements and ensuring that adequate water pressure and service are provided to the city’s southeastern areas,” Swisher said.

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

In 2021, the prior administration entered into an annexation agreement for the Compass Business Park, which includes the dedication of up to 20 acres of land for water and wastewater system purposes.

The donated land will facilitate the construction of a new elevated water storage tank, which is essential for delivering water to Joliet’s southeastern area. This tank will not serve the Compass Business Park itself, and the developer of the business park, Northpoint, will be responsible for constructing and paying for a separate storage tank to meet its own water supply needs.

The donation has an estimated value of approximately $377,000, resulting in significant cost savings for the city. The new water storage tank will support both residential and industrial water service, ensuring reliable access to water and adequate firefighting capabilities in the southeastern part of Joliet.

The Times updated this release from Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Director of Media engagement and Communications for Joliet.