DuPage recognized for flood mitigation work

The Illinois Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers presented DuPage County with the 2021 Mitigation award during its annual conference, which was held virtually on Thursday, March 11.

The award recognizes individuals and communities who encourage flood hazard reduction through various mitigation efforts, including buyout programs, retrofitting, planning, and proactive projects. IAFSM specifically recognized DuPage's stormwater management and community services departments for their efforts to mitigate flooding countywide using a nearly $32 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development after flooding in 2013.

"We were grateful to receive the federal funding following the devastating 2013 floods throughout the area," Jim Zay, chairman of the DuPage County Board's stormwater committee, said in a statement. "We recognized quickly that the areas affected could not just be repaired, they also needed to be protected against future floods. Utilizing those funds, we strategically implemented shovel-ready mitigation projects and focused on property buyouts that will benefit communities for years to come."

DuPage, along with municipalities that were awarded sub-grants, completed 17 flood mitigation projects, as well as several flood-prone property buyouts. Notable projects include the Armstrong Park Flood Control Project (Carol Stream), West Branch DuPage River Restoration and Re-Meander (Warrenville) and the Redmond Reservoir Expansion Project (Bensenville).