The Village Board of Park Forest approved on March 2 a $1,248,800 contract with Era Valdivia Contractors Inc. for the rehabilitation of the Tamarack Standpipe, an important part of the community’s drinking water system.
The project is intended to address structural and maintenance issues found during a 2023 inspection by Dixon Engineering. Officials said this work is necessary to ensure reliable water service for both daily use and emergencies.
Construction is expected to begin later this year. The board also approved an agreement with Baxter & Woodman Consulting Engineers for construction engineering services not to exceed $155,318. The scope of work includes stripping and repainting the tank’s interior and exterior, making repairs to structural steel, replacing the cathodic protection system, and installing a mixer to improve water circulation.
According to the Department of Public Works, similar repainting projects were completed at the Blackhawk and Autumn Ridge water towers in 2024 and 2025. However, officials said that additional work is needed at the Tamarack Standpipe.
Funding for this project comes from a $1.57 million loan through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Public Water Supply Loan Program, which offers lower interest rates than traditional financing options. About $471,000 of this loan will be forgiven. A separate $5.1 million loan was secured for water main improvements with more than $1.5 million in forgiveness; these funding opportunities were expanded in part through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Baxter & Woodman served as design engineer for the project and helped secure IEPA funding. Their responsibilities during construction will include administration, welding observation, coating inspections, and other oversight tasks.
According to the official website, Village of Park Forest promotes community health and engagement via dedicated commissions and programs. The village has received accolades for its sustainability efforts in town planning and community practices according to its official website. Park Forest aims to bolster economic conditions and deliver municipal services through collaboration and innovation according to its official website. The village operates under a council-manager government featuring a mayor and six trustees as its governing body according to its official website. Leadership in sustainability is shown by supporting the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement according to its official website. Educational opportunities are provided through its Civic Leadership Academy to address community issues according to its official website.
Village officials said these improvements align with their strategic goal of maintaining infrastructure while continuing reliable water service.
