Stormwater management initiatives, projects and infrastructure upgrades are multiplying across Lyons Township thanks to coordinated efforts between the township, local municipalities, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), the Cook County Department of Highways and Transportation (CCDHT), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and federal partnerships.

These investments in stormwater management were highlighted during an annual luncheon hosted on Feb. 19, by Lyons Township Supervisor Chris Getty, Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg, Assessor Patrick Hynes, and Highway Commissioner Sean McDermott at township headquarters in Countryside. MWRD leadership, including Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Executive Director Brian A. Perkovich and Engineering Department leaders were joined by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (6th Dist.), CCDHT and IDOT officials, local engineering firms, municipal leaders, and public works directors, who listened to the MWRD and other partners share remarks and update the audience on current and future projects. To view the meeting, visit youtube.com.

“We appreciate Lyons Township’s commitment to assemble this coalition of partners and bring attention to stormwater management and our infrastructure,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “With this collaboration, we can continue to make clean water and flood mitigation a priority for thousands of Lyons Township residents and businesses.”

The MWRD has more than 20 projects in the township, protecting over 700 structures at a total investment of nearly $40 million dollars. These local stormwater management partnerships include:

• The Acacia Acres Flood Relief Project on Willow Springs Road, where the MWRD funded a detention facility and a storm sewer conveyance system along with various ditch and culvert improvements.
• Green infrastructure improvements like a new permeable parking lot in Countryside that reduces the amount of runoff entering local sewer systems.
• Flood prone property acquisition projects like in Lyons where the MWRD is helping homeowners along Salt Creek through the voluntary purchase of flood-prone properties that repeatedly flood and have limited options in selling.

“It was a pleasure to join in on the Lyon’s Township luncheon,” said Vice President Flynn. “Thank you to Supervisor Getty for pulling together so many entities that are interested in the work we do at the MWRD. The support and willingness to invest in stormwater management is critical to our community’s success on flood protection. Gathering here today, we see where we were, where we are at and the direction we are going, together. I believe our agency invests in today, for tomorrow’s forecast.”

The annual stormwater management and infrastructure update included a keynote address from Rep. Casten, who talked about securing federal funding opportunities while dealing with new uncertainties in Washington, D.C.

“Preventing flooding throughout the 6th District remains one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Rep. Casten. “I’m proud to have partnered with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago to identify important initiatives to help with flood mitigation and stormwater management. I’ll keep working with MWRD and our partners to ensure we get these projects across the finish line.”