Gurnee flood costs close to $100,000

Gurnee likely will have about $100,000 in expenses from the Des Plaines River flood that hit the village late last month.

At a meeting Monday night, Village Administrator James Hayner said an attempt will be made to seek reimbursement from state government for the flood-related costs.

Hayner said the expenses will include labor, sand and equipment. The Des Plaines spilled over its banks in a flood-prone area east of Milwaukee Avenue and Route 132.

The river crested at 9.82 feet early Aug. 25. Hayner said the Des Plaines River measured at 2.63 feet Monday.

Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik said she was awestruck by Hayner's leadership abilities before and during the flood. "Everyone knew their roles and responsibilities," Kovarik said.

She added Gurnee likely was helped by the fact seven homes have been removed from the flood zone since 2004.