‘There was a gap’: New DuPage County program helps flood-prone properties

DuPage County’s stormwater management division is offering financial assistance for certain owners of flood-prone properties.

The new initiative is intended to help unincorporated residential and commercial property owners who do not qualify for an existing program, but experience nuisance or standalone structure flooding.

“While our longstanding drainage program addresses severe multi-property flooding, we knew there was a gap for unincorporated residents dealing with smaller, but persistent problems,” Jim Zay, chairman of the county’s stormwater management committee, said in a statement. “This new cost-share program helps close that gap and aligns with similar programs offered in incorporated areas.”

When fully funded, the county expects to provide up to $50,000 annually across multiple projects, with a maximum award of $5,000 per project. Applications will be accepted now through March 9. A non-refundable $200 fee is required as part of the application.

Details and the application form are on the county’s website.