The Homewood Village Board approved a $90,000 contract on July 22 with engineering firm Burns & McDonnell to advance the next phase of its lead service line replacement project. 

The firm estimates the project could cost up to $70 million over the next decade. 

Terence Acquah, Homewood assistant village manager, said Burns & McDonnell will handle the planning and preparation needed to hire a contractor for the project. The firm’s work is divided into three main tasks, he said. 

The first task focuses on project management and coordination with the village and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). This includes organizing meetings and ensuring all steps meet regulatory requirements, Acquah said. 

The second task involves creating a detailed contract package with engineering drawings and specifications. The documents will outline which lead service lines need replacement. It will also include standard construction details and requirements to qualify for funding through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program, he said. 

The third task covers the bidding process. Burns & McDonnell will prepare and issue bid documents. The firm will also meet with potential contractors and review bids for accuracy and completeness. Once that is done, they will make a formal recommendation to the village, Acquah said. 

He said a pre-final contract package is due by Aug. 29. The firm will also work with the village to complete IEPA loan coordination by the end of Dec. 31. 

According to Acquah, the $90,000 contract will be paid from the water and sewer fund, but is expected to be reimbursed through the SRF loan program. The board also approved a budget amendment to cover the cost.

The IEPA’s draft 2026 Intended Use Plan has saved $4.1 million for the village’s replacement project. The village will repay the loan to the state over the course of 30 or 40 years without interest payments, and includes over $2.4 million in principal forgiveness, Acquah said.