Grand Prairie Water Commission Receives $1 Million In Federal Funding

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Congresswoman Lauren Underwood has secured more than $1 million in federal funds to help the Grand Prairie Water Commission bring an alternative water source to the area, according to a news release from the commission.

$1.092 million has been secured as Community Project Funding in the federal spending bill for fiscal year 2026.

The leaders also toured a construction site that marks another milestone in the development of a new regional water system that will serve more than 250,000 residents, the commission said.

“Congresswoman Underwood understands that reliable water infrastructure is essential to our health, quality of life and economic future,” said Shorewood Mayor Clarence “C.C.” DeBold, chairman of the Grand Prairie Water Commission. “We are tremendously grateful for Congresswoman Underwood’s leadership and unwavering support for this transformative regional project. Her efforts helped secure
an investment that will benefit residents and businesses across our communities for generations. This grant will help build the infrastructure needed to provide a sustainable, reliable and high-quality water supply.”

The celebration was held at the site of a water delivery structure currently under construction along Wildy Road, west of Ridge Road in Minooka, the commission said. The structure will serve as one of Minooka’s connections to the new regional system.

“Clean and safe drinking water is the foundation of a healthy community,” Rep. Underwood said in a news release. “I am
so proud to secure these federal funds to strengthen our infrastructure in northern Illinois, support the Grand Prairie Water Commission, and make sure that our families have a healthy and reliable water source for generations to come.”

The commission's system is scheduled to begin serving member communities by 2030. The member communities are Channahon, Crest Hill, Joliet, Minooka, Romeoville and Shorewood.

Communities in the region began evaluating alternative water sources in response to water quantity and quality challenges affecting their existing groundwater supplies, according to a news release. Lake Michigan water was selected as the most sustainable and reliable source for meeting the region’s current and long-term needs.

Construction is underway on several other major elements of the system, including a water tunnel, water storage facility and two pump stations at the Chicago site where GPWC will obtain Lake Michigan water, the Commission shared.

“This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when communities come together around a shared challenge and federal, regional and local leaders work toward a common solution,” DeBold said in a release. “Congresswoman Underwood’s support brings us another important step closer to delivering a dependable water supply that will protect public health, strengthen economic development, and enhance quality of life throughout our region. ”