Mount Carmel’s new aquatic center project is still moving forward, but facing delays tied to state approval, according to Mayor Joe Judge.
During last week’s “Ask The Mayor” segment on WSJD, Judge said the city is currently waiting on final approval from the Illinois Department of Public Health after a last-minute request to relocate a deck drain.
Judge says that approval could come any day now, and once it does, work is expected to ramp up quickly.
He noted that contractors are currently on standby, but ready to move in fast. Landmark, the aquatics contractor, plans to bring in three crews, while Garmong, which is handling construction of the bathhouse, will have two crews on site.
Judge acknowledged frustration with the pace of progress so far, saying much of the delay is due to the State of Illinois permitting process, which can take months compared to other states.
In the meantime, local crews have been preparing the site, including work on entrances and parking areas.
Despite the delays, Judge says the goal of having the aquatic center ready around Homecoming in September is still in reach, though it may be close.
Once construction resumes, residents can expect to see rapid progress as multiple crews begin work simultaneously.