Waukesha Freeman
Published 12/21/2017
Freeman Staff

Waukesha — Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett signed what they call a historic agreement for the sale of Lake Michigan water at the Waukesha County Business Alliance headquarters Wednesday.

The cities have been in negotiations since May to produce a water sale contract and intergovernmental agreement that will ensure Waukesha has clean and safe drinking water for at least 40 years.

“It’s a historic day and another milestone in obtaining Lake Michigan water for the city of Waukesha,” Reilly said Wednesday afternoon.

Several aldermen and regional officials attended the signing Wednesday and  spoke about the significance of the contract for both cities.

District 4 Alderman Joe Pieper tweeted after the signing, “A great day for @CityofWaukesha ensuring a safe and long-term water supply. Plus regional cooperation and putting politics aside. Proud to play a part over 11 years on the Common Council.”

The Waukesha Water Utility is now working on obtaining necessary permits and lines of funding for the project, which will eventually cost an estimated $286 million.

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