Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, the MWRD Board of Commissioners, Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus M. Jones, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, city council members, and other participants came together to celebrate the completion of four new green alleys funded through the MWRD’s Green Infrastructure Partnership Program. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at 664 Hirsch Ave. in Calumet City on Nov. 14, marked a major achievement in the city’s efforts to address stormwater management and reduce flooding risks through innovative green strategies. Watch the program.

The four green alleys, capable of storing up to 447,000 gallons of stormwater per rain event, are designed to mitigate flooding while demonstrating the long-term benefits of green infrastructure to the local community. This initiative is part of an ongoing collaboration between Calumet City and the MWRD to invest in sustainable stormwater management solutions.

“Today marks a proud moment for Calumet City and its residents," Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "This project represents more than just new infrastructure; it symbolizes progress, opportunity, and a commitment to creating a stronger, more vibrant community for generations to come."

The MWRD provided more than $528,000 toward the total project cost of approximately $660,297. These funds covered the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the green alleys. This marks the second successful green alley partnership between Calumet City and the MWRD, following the completion of three alleys in 2022 which have a total retention capacity of 344,278 gallons.

“These green alleys demonstrate a collaborative approach to address stormwater management through sustainable and innovative measures that mitigate flooding, improve water quality, reduce the heat island effect and slow down the demand on our sewers and water reclamation plants,” said President Kari K. Steele. “The new infrastructure provides immediate flood relief and long-term investment in the resilience and well-being of Calumet City.”

Record rainfall in Calumet City in September 2023 overwhelmed local sewer systems, leading to widespread flooding and underscoring the importance of continued investment in stormwater infrastructure. Alongside these green infrastructure projects, the MWRD’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan serves combined sewer areas in Calumet City through the Calumet Tunnel System and Thornton Composite Reservoir. 

“The completion of these green alleys is a significant step forward in our mission to manage stormwater effectively while enhancing the quality of life for residents,” said Vice President Flynn. “We are grateful for the collaboration between the MWRD and Calumet City and look forward to seeing the continued positive impact these projects will have on the community."

The MWRD also collaborated with Calumet City and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning on a two-year study known as the Calumet City Subarea Plan that was adopted earlier this year. The plan outlines a shared vision for commercial development, transportation improvements and flood mitigation. In addition, the MWRD has also distributed more than 2,000 rain barrels to Calumet City and neighboring suburbs, as another form of green infrastructure to further support stormwater management and mitigate flooding. 

View the ribbon cutting