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Hastings calls for fair distribution of water infrastructure investment
State Senator Michael E. Hastings called on the Illinois Commerce Commission to ensure fairness and balance in a proposed $200 million infrastructure plan filed by Illinois American Water ─ raising concerns about how those investments are distributed across the state.
During a hearing in Springfield, Hastings questioned ICC representatives about the scope and location of the proposed improvements.
“After analyzing what has been filed before the Illinois Commerce Commission, it strikes me that the majority of the investment is taking place in the southern part of Illinois, primarily in St. Clair County and around the Belleville area,” said Hastings (D-Franfkort).
“There is nothing wrong with that, because their infrastructure is outdated, but when you compare that to what is being invested in the southwest suburbs, specifically Homer Glen, Orland Hills and Bolingbrook, it is disproportionate.”
The ICC confirmed the proposal and noted the investment is intended to address aging systems, replace lead service lines and remove per- and polyfluoroalkly substances, or PFAs, and other contaminants from drinking water. Hastings acknowledged the importance of those upgrades but raised concerns after reviewing the company’s filing of approximately $200 million. Hastings emphasized that the proposed rate increase would be shared by customers statewide.
“If that rate is approved, it will be socialized across all ratepayers in the state of Illinois,” said Hastings. “That makes it critically important that we look at parity when it comes to infrastructure investment.”
According to Hastings, of the roughly $200 million in spending, only about $10 million would be directed toward Will and Cook County.
“The disparity in infrastructure investment between southern Illinois and suburban Cook County is significant, and it has to be addressed,” said Hastings. “I urge the commission to take a closer look at how funds are allocated before making a final determination.”
The Illinois Commerce Commission is currently reviewing the proposal and will issue a decision following its regulatory process.
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Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
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