Hammond and
Chicago Heights — two communities that once duked it out over water rate disagreements — ushered in a new era Wednesday night as officials reached a deal in which Hammond will supply more drinking water to the Illinois community for resale.
The two communities have come a long way since 2012, when Hammond and Chicago Heights met in federal court to battle it out over rate disagreements.
“We’ve gone from federal court to shaking hands,” Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott said Wednesday after appearing before the Chicago Heights City Council, where he, staff and Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez received applause for leading the charge in the long-negotiated agreement…Please click here to read Lauren Cross’ story in the Times. Related stories are here in the Patch, and here in the Tribune/Daily Southtown. A press release from Mayor David Gonzalez is available here.