Des Plaines River projects finally get the go-ahead
Flooding more than two decades ago killed seven and caused $35 million in damage along the Des Plaines River, spurring plans to make sure such devastation would never be repeated.
Projects to build levees and dig deeper storm water reservoirs hit the drawing tables after the 1986 flood. But progress in carrying out the plans has been slow.
On Friday, officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources formally agreed to finish the multimillion-dollar plan that carries the promise of protection along the river.
While next year's federal budget has yet to be approved, at least $6.6 million -- and up to $9.6 million -- is expected to be included for Des Plaines River flood control projects. This year's budget chipped in $8.8 million toward the $72.4 million plan.
Federal and state officials struck an optimistic chord as they spoke of how these projects will help contain floodwaters, but they are well aware that it will take at least five years to finish them. And that's if things run on schedule.
Many officials have dubbed it a balancing act since it involves multiple projects requiring federal, state and local cooperation.
"We're still balancing," Army Corps project manager Felicia Y. Kirksey said Friday. "At this point, we have a lot of work ahead of us to complete."
The long-awaited Levee 37 project will finally get off the ground. Work on the levee that will help residents in Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights will begin next year and should be completed in 2010.
Design work also could begin next year on the Buffalo Creek Reservoir project near Buffalo Grove.
Two projects in northern Lake County will have to wait longer for funding. But they are expected to be completed by 2012.
Another project, the $15 million Levee 50 in Des Plaines, is well under way and on track to be completed next year. As waters teemed over the riverbanks this August, Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia estimated about 300 homes were spared from flooding thanks to the project.
Recent flooding might have made these projects seem more urgent; however, officials said the planning already was in progress.
"Actually, it's just one of those happy coincidences," Kirksey said. "It just highlighted the need."
Arredia is enthusiastic about the start of work to expand Big Bend Lake to hold more water. Residents who live near there suffered the worst of the flood damage this August. Under the plan, design work would be finished next year. Construction could begin next year if federal officials approve spending $3 million more.
Arredia and Mount Prospect Mayor Irvana Wilks attended a ceremony in Chicago on Friday to celebrate the interagency agreement.
"I've been pushing this thing for seven years," Arredia said. "I'm just keeping my word."