Lake Co. wants federal flood funds
Months after Lake County was drenched by heavy rains and ensuing floods, county leaders are preparing to ask federal officials for aid that could prevent such problems from re-occurring.
A request for $2 million in federal funding is among the proposals in a tentative legislative wish list the county board will consider adopting next month.
The money could come from a Congressional appropriations bill, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the EPA's State and Tribal Assistance Grant program.
Lake County was among the suburban regions declared federal disaster areas following the late-August rainstorms. Thousands of homes in the Chicago area were damaged, many severely.
Municipal cleanup bills soared into the millions.
Under the plan before the Lake County Board, officials want federal funding to create environmental restoration efforts, stormwater infrastructure projects and watershed management plans for the Des Plaines and Fox rivers.
The Des Plaines River watershed has been a particular target for local, state and federal lawmakers for a while, Assistant County Administrator Gary Gibson said.
The watershed plans would identify flooding problems, assess water quality identify solutions to current problems and suggest ways to prevent future floods.
Such watershed plans already have been completed for areas including Squaw Creek and Sequoit Creek near the Fox River and Indian Creek near Des Plaines River.
Flood control along the rivers isn't the only issue on the county's federal wish list. Officials also want more money for projects including its ongoing effort to integrate the computer networks of all law enforcement agencies in the county, as well as housing and community development programs.
The board is drafting a wish list for state lawmakers, too.
Local officials are seeking money for road projects and a variety of legislative changes, including ones that would: make it easier for senior citizens to receive homestead exemptions; allow officials to increase the fee for the children's waiting room at the main Lake County courthouse; and increase the board's ability to regulate cellular towers.
The county board could vote on both proposals Dec. 11.