DeLuca Measure Creates Path to Resolve Water Issue between Chicago Heights and Ford Heights

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After years of delays, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, recently passed a plan to help collect nearly $2 million in unpaid water bills Ford Heights owes Chicago Heights.

“For far too long the taxpayers of Chicago Heights have been carrying this debt and are in no position to keep waiting for it to be addressed,” DeLuca said. “I'm grateful for the productive conversations we’ve had with local officials in recent months, including the Illinois Municipal League. Both communities have focused on solutions so we can end this chapter of delays and finger pointing.”

DeLuca’s SB90, which received bipartisan support, will enable the state comptroller to deduct the outstanding water bill debt from state payments to Ford Heights and then forward the funds to Chicago Heights, with an agreement between the municipalities or a court order. 

For many years, Chicago Heights has attempted to collect nearly $2 million in overdue bills for water services provided to Ford Heights. Despite legal action, Chicago Heights thus far has only received a small amount of what’s owed. Senate Bill 90 is solution oriented.

“I want both communities to have a high-quality system with upgraded infrastructure that delivers affordable water to their residents, and resolving this issue is a huge step in the right direction,” DeLuca said. “We can’t delay this any longer.” 

Senate Bill 90 is now headed to the governor for final approval.

For more information, please contact RepDeLuca@SBCGlobal.net.

###

​