March 26, 2014

Mayor Emanuel and Department of Water Management Announce the Start of 2014 Construction Season

DWM Increases Infrastructure Work in Third Year of Building a New Chicago Program

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Commissioner Thomas Powers today announced the Department of Water Management is starting its 2014 construction season under the Building a New Chicago infrastructure program, which will include 85 miles of new water mains, 21 miles of new sewer mains, 55 miles of sewers lined and 14,000 catch basins lined at a cost of $671 million.

“We continue to make necessary upgrades to our infrastructure to ensure we have a 21st century foundation for a 21st century economy,” said Mayor Emanuel. “We have made great progress in recent years, but know that we have much more work to do, especially when it comes to upgrading our aging water infrastructure.”

Since 2011, the Department of Water Management has installed 177 miles of new water mains and 46 miles of new sewers. In addition, DWM has lined 140 miles of sewers and 47,701 catch basins, as well as installed more than 4,600 water valves and 5,000 new fire hydrants.

“Lake Michigan is our greatest natural resource, and we are taking steps to make certain our water system is more efficient and provides greater integrity,” said Powers. “Replacing pipes protects the potable water we have treated as well as saves energy, which means our customers have a reliable system with a secure present and a bright future.”

Announced in 2012, Building a New Chicago is a $7 billion infrastructure program over three years, and one of the largest investments in infrastructure in the City’s history. The program will touch nearly every aspect of the city’s infrastructure network and create more than 30,000 jobs during its three years. Building a New Chicago involves an unprecedented level of coordination between City Hall, multiple city departments and sister agencies, private sector utilities, and the public.

For a complete map of the DWM 2014 Plan click here

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