Groundbreaking For New Health Department Building Held On Tuesday

“This is a major improvement for public health in Will County,” said County Board Speaker Denise Winfrey (D-Joliet). “The County Board has worked with County Executive Walsh and Will County Health Department Executive Director Sue Olenek to make sure that residents can easily access the services that they need in one place.”

In addition to County Board Speaker Denise Winfrey, the entire Will County Board was onsite for the groundbreaking. The County Board inked a project labor management agreement (PLA) with the Three Rivers Construction Alliance, the Will and Grundy Counties Building Trades Council and Leopardo Inc. in October. According to the County Board, the agreement was put into place to guarantee quality construction, cost effectiveness and efficiency, in addition to timeliness. Construction is expected to be complete in mid-2020.

“I have been an advocate for this project since I joined the Board,” said Public Health and Safety committee member Don Gould (R-Shorewood). “This new building will replace the oldest building under county ownership and provide Will County residents and employees with a state-of-the-art facility."

To ensure the project stays on task, a joint labor management committee will meet monthly to review and assess different matters related to the project including working conditions, safety and more.

“Public health and wellness are critical to the quality of life that our residents deserve,” said Public Health and Safety committee chairwoman Laurie Summers (D-Crete). “The County Board planned for and is now building a cutting-edge facility that will serve residents for decades to come.”

The new WCHD building will house Environmental Health, Behavioral Health, Administration divisions and Family Health Services, which includes the WIC program. Additionally, the Will County TB Clinic and administrative offices will now be housed in the new building.

Images via Mack Communications