Will County Gazette

The Joliet City Council is set to vote on a proposed Project Labor Agreement (PLA) at its meeting on Tuesday. The agreement, developed with the Will & Grundy Counties Building Trades Council and the Three Rivers Construction Alliance, is intended to support construction for the city’s Alternative Water Source Program (AWSP). This initiative aims to deliver Lake Michigan water to Joliet residents by 2030.

Named “Blueprint for Success: A Labor-Management Project Agreement,” the PLA outlines cooperation between the city, labor unions, and contractors. It is designed to ensure that construction work is completed safely, efficiently, and in a way that benefits residents financially.

City Manager Beth Beatty stated, “Ensuring the long-term reliability of Joliet’s water system requires strong partnerships, careful planning, and a shared commitment to delivering results. This Project Labor Agreement strengthens our ability to manage a project of this scale responsibly and efficiently. By establishing clear expectations and a collaborative framework, we are supporting a workforce that is prepared, highly skilled, and aligned with the city’s goals for safety, quality, and accountability.”

The agreement covers eight major work packages needed for improvements in Joliet’s water system. These upgrades are necessary steps toward bringing Lake Michigan water to the city within the planned timeframe. The PLA aims to promote cooperation between labor and management while reducing risks of delays or increased costs.

Mayor Terry D’Arcy commented on the significance of this step: “The City of Joliet continues to make strategic, forward-looking investments to secure a reliable, sustainable water supply for future generations. This agreement ensures that our infrastructure work is done by experienced professionals who take pride in their craft and in serving our community.”

Joliet’s Alternative Water Source Program represents an important investment in local infrastructure. By switching its main source of water supply to Lake Michigan, the city seeks to address long-term regional challenges related to water availability while supporting growth and economic stability.

More information about the project can be found at www.RethinkWaterJoliet.org.