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Four suburban flood buyouts tied up in state budget

While the flood buyouts in Des Plaines and downstate Alexander County involve the most money and homeowners in limbo because of pending contracts, other projects earmarked for state money also are on hold, including three in the suburbs.

• In Spring Grove, a dozen properties along Nippersink Creek are eligible for $10.1 million in buyouts, but the process isn't as far along as in Des Plaines. McHenry County was in the process of finalizing terms of the funding arrangement with the state and other agencies when the state budget fight began.

"Homeowners keep calling and asking what's the status, and unfortunately we don't have anything to tell them besides it's on hold until we get that funding," said Joanna Colletti, the county's water resources manager.

• DuPage County has already purchased and demolished a commercial building where the Warrenville Road bridge crosses the West Branch of the DuPage River, allowing the bridge to be widened to improve the flow of river water.

Tony Charlton, county's director of stormwater management, said he expects a $277,500 reimbursement from the state since it was billed during the previous state fiscal year.

• In South Elgin, a homeowner who was expecting $34,000 in state funds for a buyout decided when it was delayed to stay in his house on Water Street near the Fox River, and make repairs, said Paul Kruse, the village's floodplain manager.

County buys Warrenville building for flood control effort

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