Despite a major winter storm, a public hearing was held yesterday afternoon on a proposed new water treatment plant in Mt. Carmel. City Clerk Rudy Witsman conducted the hearing that only Mayor Joe Judge and City Commissioner Chandler Madden attended. Witsman said the existing water plant is 80 years old and is near the end of its useful life…

Witsman said after several alternatives for a new water treatment facilities were considered, the city has decided to construct the new water treatment plant on the eastern portion of the existing site at 217 South Cherry Street….

The city has applied for a $10 million loan with the Illinois EPA to construct the new plant and demolish the old plant after construction is complete. Witsman said it’s hoped bids for the project can be sought late this summer or early fall with construction starting next year. The city council still has to take a final vote to officially greenlight the new water plant.

(L-R) Mayor Joe Judge and Commissioner Chandler Madden listen to City Clerk’s Rudy Witsman’s presentation on the proposed new water treatment plant.