$1.1 million requested to provide 'safe and reliable drinking water' in Rockford

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The City of Rockford says it will replace lead service lines on Auburn Street in 2025.

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) was in town Friday to announce the $1.1 million funding request for the lead service line renovation portion of the project.

“Replacing lead service lines has been a priority for the Water Division since 2017. So any time we are able to replace an aging water line, high-risk water line or utility line undersized water through a service line, this is always a great opportunity to remove lead from our service line,” said Jamie Rott, City of Rockford Water Superintendent.

Replacing the lead service lines is part of a larger $17.4 million project to renovate Auburn Street. This will include road resurfacing and redesign of multi-use paths and sidewalks.

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said the money came from what Rockford saved in 2022.