Indiana American Water opens $2.2 million Gary training center, tell me about this news in (https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/15/indiana-american-water-opens-2-2-million-gary-training-center/)
16-09-2026
On September 15, 2026, Indiana American Water celebrated the official opening of its new $2.2 million American Water Training Center in Gary, Indiana.Key Details of the Announcement
- Location and Design: Located at 650 Madison Street near Borman Park, the facility is designed as an outdoor “mini-city.” This setup provides a controlled, realistic environment where utility workers can practice real-world tasks safely without hazards like live traffic or adjacent active gas lines.
- Hands-on Training Capabilities: The site supports training across field operations, construction, and safety. Instruction covers water main repair and replacement, pipe tapping, meter installation, hydrant repair, utility locating, excavation and shoring, traffic control, and confined-space procedures.
- Addressing an Aging Workforce: The facility is designed to help build the next generation of water utility professionals. Industry-wide, the median age of water and wastewater operators is around 48, with approximately one-third eligible for retirement over the next decade.
- Launch of the “Flow Forward” Program: The opening also marked the kickoff of Flow Forward, a statewide workforce development initiative aimed at introducing students to careers in water, wastewater, engineering, technology, and skilled trades. Students from Gary’s GEO 21st Century Academy attended the opening event, toured the facility, and participated in hands-on demonstrations alongside company leaders and utility workers.
- Broader Regional Investment: The $2.2 million center is part of nearly $38 million in recent infrastructure and operational investments by Indiana American Water in Northwest Indiana, including a $23.5 million water main replacement project and multi-million-dollar upgrades to the Borman Park water treatment facility.