On Saturday, June 26, the Village experienced a significant storm event that resulted in widespread flooding. At the Village Board meetings on June 28, July 12, and August 23, the Village heard comments from residents that incurred damages and losses. Photos and videos were also provided by residents, documenting the impacts of the storm event.
The Village has identified projects to help reduce flooding, each of which has its own set of challenges, costs and benefits. A summary of the Village’s storm sewer system and relief sewer projects were provided by the Village Engineer at the June 28 meeting. The Village is planning a public workshop to discuss stormwater management on September 13, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. The MWRD is also planning to attend and contribute to the discussion.
La Grange cannot undertake significant stormwater management projects alone as we need regional partners and outlets for the water. Therefore, we are continuing to work closely with our elected leaders and partner agencies like the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Cook County, to implement regional solutions that further identified and proposed projects. On a parallel line, the Village is also participating in a regional stormwater study through the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.
Over the last 30 days, the Village has continued its efforts to identify, implement, and identify funding for flood mitigation projects through legislative, legal and engineering initiatives. In addition to the 50th Street Relief Sewer Project, President Kuchler met with a number of elected leaders to discuss other flood control initiatives such as the Maple Avenue Relief Sewer, connections to the Deep Tunnel, and the inclusion of flood mitigation measures as a part of upcoming IDOT roadway projects. Specifically, President Kuchler recently met with top MWRD officials, as well as Illinois State Representative and House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, Senator Curran and Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar. President Kuchler also met with Congresswoman Marie Newman and a representative of the La Grange Country Club. The Village also submitted funding requests for stormwater management projects to Cook County.
The 50th Street Relief Sewer project, was stopped and delayed due to litigation filed by Lehigh Hanson Quarry in McCook. The Village continues to be actively engaged in the ongoing court proceedings, including settlement discussions with the quarry. A status report regarding the litigation was provided at the June 28 Village Board meeting and a copy of a recent Court decision is located on the Village’s website.
President Kuchler also met with residents to discuss additional, more localized flood mitigation projects. Several of these potential ideas are being evaluated by the Village’s engineers. The Village met with School Districts 105 and 204 to discuss preliminary flood mitigation partnership opportunities.
For information regarding flood resources for residents and stormwater management Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Village website.
The Village will continue to update the community with progress, including at the next Village Board meeting on September 13. For more information regarding stormwater management and flood mitigation efforts, please visit the Village’s website.