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Design permitted for West Stevenson water main; council seeks funding before construction
Summary
IEPA has approved construction plans for the West Stevenson Street water main extension (the project commonly referred to as the Open Bible water main). Council heard that the project is permit‑ready and staff is searching for grant funding; there is no construction contract or expenditure approved yet.
The City of Freeport reported that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has approved design plans for a proposed water main extension that would provide city water to Open Bible and roughly a dozen nearby properties. City staff said the project is permit‑ready but no construction funding has been secured.
City Manager and Public Works staff told council the IEPA approved the design in January. The project would serve Open Bible, several nearby residences (about 7–10 were discussed in council comments) and a Highland Community College research field, and includes restroom facilities for the campus field. Staff emphasized they designed the project so it is shovel‑ready and are actively seeking grants and other funding sources to pay for construction; no construction contract was requested or approved at the March meeting.
Council discussion highlighted confusion among some members about prior informal promises made decades earlier, whether the city is legally obligated to construct the main, and whether the city should spend taxpayer funds without secured external funding. Attorney Zito advised the council that potential past commitments could create “potential obligations” based on prior statements by city staff but that any definitive legal obligation would be decided by a court if challenged; he recommended elected officials decide policy direction now rather than rely on past acts.
Staff said the city has surveyed the corridor and prepared design and EPA permitting work to keep the project shovel‑ready to pursue grants; if grant funding is unavailable the project would return to council for further direction. No vote to build was taken; council requested continued updates as staff pursues funding.
Why it matters: The project would expand service to unserved households and institutional users but, as currently presented, requires external funding for construction; council debate reflected community interest, questions about prior promises, and concerns about fiscal obligations to taxpayers.
