In its first meeting of 2011, the Lemont Village Board formalized its intent to use $80,000 in federal funds to enlarge water mains along Stephen Street from Porter Street to McCarthy Road.

The board approved a resolution Monday night approving an agreement with Cook County for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, which is distributed to Cook County municipalities by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Using the funds, the village will be able replace 300 feet of existing six-inch water mains on Stephen Street with new 10-inch pipes for a total cost of $150,000.

The CDBG program is intended to be used for projects that enhance the public good. Money can be used for such improvements as water and sewer enhancement, energy conservation, job creation and economic development.

This year, Cook County expects to receive a total of $10.5 million in grant money. Last year, Lemont received $100,000, which they used toward the $175,000 State Street water main replacement between Illinois and Cass streets.

Trustee Rick Sniegowski asked why the construction was done so late in the year, which he said added to winter traffic congestion.

Village Administrator Ben Wehmeier said the project was delayed because the village was awaiting approval from the Archdiocese of Chicago for excavation work in front of St. Patrick's Church.

Projects usually go out for bid in January and February, so they can be scheduled earlier if no complications occur, Wehmeier said.

A public hearing on the use of 2012 CDBG funds is scheduled to begin for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19 in Village Hall, 418 Main St.

The board also approved Monday an agreement for a sewer exension project on Warner and Eureka Avenues. The project, which will cost approximately $450,000, will be funded through grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

According to the village, the project will consist of the installation of 12-inch, 15-inch, 18-inch, 24-inch and 30-inch storm sewers, as well as manholes, catch basins, landscaping and restoration. The new sewers will be installed on Warner Avenue from Logan Street to Ridge Road, and on Eureka Avenue from Logan Street to the alley west of State Street.