Completion of Hebron’s Water Main Project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and officials in Hebron marked a milestone on Wednesday with the official completion of a significant water main replacement project in Hebron’s Snake Flats neighborhood. This $4.5 million undertaking aimed to enhance infrastructure in the area.

Nihab Halilovic, an engineer from the Corps of Engineers’ Calumet Area Office in Griffith, remarked that the project proceeded smoothly, staying on schedule and within budget.

Lieutenant Colonel David Dawes, commander of the Chicago District, spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He emphasized the successful collaboration between the federal government, the town, and contractors. His district contributed about 75% of the total project cost.

Town Council President John Spinks Jr. expressed pride in the project and its benefits to the Snake Flats community. The initiative began in April 2025 but encountered a delay as early frost postponed road paving until now.

The project included the replacement of almost 9,000 feet of old water main with a pipeline of larger diameter. This is expected to improve drinking water safety, maintain system pressure, and offer better fire protection with 10 new hydrants. Additionally, 27 gate valves were installed, and a trail section was created.

“Infrastructure projects are fundamentally about people. They enhance public health and safety, and they give communities the means to thrive,” said Dawes.

Dawes attributed some of the project’s success to U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan, who assisted communities with grant applications necessary for funding. Mrvan highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure, stressing its significance for economic development and quality of life.

Clerk-Treasurer Jamie Uzelac acknowledged how Mrvan’s team found the funding opportunity and aided the town in the application process. The water main replacement had been a long-planned project, but costs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The town turned to a bond issue to finance its portion of the costs.

Residents like Uzelac and Park Board President Linda Brebner have lived in Snake Flats for decades. Both expressed relief and satisfaction with the upgraded infrastructure, citing issues with the old system that had long persisted.

Freelance reporter Doug Ross contributed to the Post-Tribune with coverage of this community development.