Community leaders with projects in mind that can enhance public spaces and improve stormwater management infrastructure are urged to apply to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD).

The MWRD is accepting applications for a range of stormwater management projects that includes green infrastructure installations, flood-prone property acquisitions, and larger stormwater management projects that are both conceptual and shovel ready.

Applications are now being accepted through early 2025 for all four programs. Read more about the program. 

“To help communities mitigate flooding, the MWRD seeks to help, collaborate and invest in stormwater management and infrastructure in Cook County communities,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “As we work to mitigate and adapt to the forces of climate change, we want to hear from all potential partners across our service area in Cook County on ways we can work together to address excess stormwater through a variety of MWRD programs.”

The MWRD partnerships cover a variety of stormwater management strategies and technical assistance opportunities through the following programs:

• Stormwater Partnership Program helps fund the construction of traditional engineering solutions to flooding such as detention basins, storm sewer improvements, and stream channel improvements.
• Green Infrastructure Partnership Program helps fund the construction of green alleys, rain gardens, permeable paving, and other natural, permeable systems that manage rainwater where it falls.
• Conceptual Project Partnerships are available to local government organizations requiring assistance developing stormwater solutions, coordinating stormwater mitigation efforts, and identifying state and federal grant opportunities.
• Voluntary Flood-Prone Property Acquisition Program provides funding to help municipalities acquire properties in the flood plain and give homeowners the opportunity for a fresh start.

In the last decade, since receiving authority to partner on local projects, the MWRD has approximately 250 active or completed stormwater management projects throughout Cook County working to protect nearly 19,000 homes, businesses and other structures. These partnership projects range from huge flood mitigation reservoirs to smaller scale neighborhood green infrastructure projects. These projects represent an investment of more than $533 million from the MWRD.

“These partnerships to address stormwater management in communities throughout Cook County represent our commitment to protecting homeowners and business owners from flooding throughout Cook County,” said MWRD Commissioner Cam Davis. “We encourage public entities to apply to this important program.”