So What, Why Should You and I Be Concerned about the State of the Infrastructure?

OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND… right? NO.

We need to address the problem of the city’s aging infrastructure sooner rather than later. Progress is being made already by both Bloomington City government and residents. The city government needs to remain aggressive and progressive in several areas and may need to be more aggressive in some other areas. There is an opportunity for more residents to get involved by giving input and supporting efforts by the city’s leadership to address aging infrastructure issues. We are in the later stage of the window of opportunity with pipes already beyond their projected lifespan of 100–120 years. If not pursued as aggressively as needed, then in the near future we will face steadily increasing problems:

• More water and sewer main breaks
• More sinkholes
• Safety concerns
• Increased taxes
• Household water bills will go up
• Increasing Interruption of water and sewer services as well as traffic
• Increasing material and labor cost related to repair and replacement

Homes, businesses, and community will suffer. There will be economic implications.

Yes, it is out of sight, but we need to keep it in mind and in focus.

Aging water and sewer infrastructure is a complicated and costly problem, in Bloomington and nationwide. There is no one solution that will be a quick fix. It will take continued development, planning, government cooperation on all levels, creative funding, and a determined will to stick with it.

To learn more about Bloomington, Illinois infrastructure, you can contact the City of Bloomington’s Public Works Department.