The Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) honored a leader of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) with a first of its kind award based on his dedication to enhancing the quality of life in the Southwest Side community. The LVEJO saluted MWRD Chairman of Finance Frank Vila with an Environmental Justice Champion on August 14th. Avila was honored as the LVEJO celebrated environmental justice victories at a fundraiser dinner for the organization, which also marked the occasion of the grand opening of La Villita Park, 2800 S. Sacramento Ave., the third anniversary of Chicago Coal Power Plants closure, new access to the 31st street bus and many more initiatives. Among those environmental justice victories, Avila played a major role in working to improve conditions at the 31st Street Collateral Channel.

(Pictured left to right) MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos, David St Pierre, MWRD Executive Director, Commissioners Frank Avila and MWRD Vice President Barbara McGowan.