Rauner finalizes Mahomet Aquifer task force

Posted on January 2, 2018

State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) is one of 25 members of the Mahomet Aquifer task force. (Photo courtesy www.ilga.gov)

By Seth Laurence/WHOW

MAHOMET – Gov. Bruce Rauner has finalized the members that will make up a special task force to analyze the Mahomet Aquifer and centralize their efforts to keep it safe.

The mayors of Normal and Heyworth, Chris Koos and Todd Zalucha and Teresa Barnett with DeWitt County’s Emergency Management Agency are among those Rauner appointed to serve on the panel.

State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, who already serves on the task force, said there is going to be representation from all over Illinois.

“Just to try to get a broader spectrum representation on that task force, it’s going to try to look at all things and be proactive to try to protect this wonderful resource we have,” Rose said.

While Rose recognizes his voice isn’t the only one and he has no final say in any decisions, he said he wants to see an effort aimed at monitoring the Aquifer and perhaps utilizing the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois.

The Mahomet Aquifer provides drinking water for three-quarters of a million Illinoisans stretching from far western Illinois to the Indiana state line.

The panel is scheduled to submit its report and solutions to the General Assembly by July 1.

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