The governor announced Monday that Lake County will receive $30 million in funding for over a dozen projects that aim to reduce stormwater flooding in the county.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined legislators, community leaders and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity at Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep School in Waukegan Monday morning.
Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act through the FY22 state funding bill, work on 14 projects throughout Lake County is set to begin this year.
Pritzker said the critical projects aim to address stormwater runoff that causes flooding and can carry pollutants into waterways such as lakes, streams and wetlands.
“Lake County is renowned for its natural beauty – but the waterways that make this region such a great place to live require high quality, efficient infrastructure,” Pritzker said.
“That’s why Rebuild Illinois is investing over $800 million to Lake County alone. By combining federal, state, and local resources – we can truly fulfill that responsibility, and in turn, strengthen and revitalize all of Illinois’ communities,” he said.
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said the $30 million dollar investment will “dramatically improve” Lake County’s infrastructure and protect homes and businesses.
Lake County has 920 square miles of natural water sources within its boundaries and approximately 170 lakes and rivers, plus 400 miles of streams and thousands of acres of wetlands.
The 14 projects are expected to provide stormwater management benefits to more than 2,300 properties and 25 roadways in Lake County, the governor’s office said.
The projects will take place in parts of Park City, Waukegan, Highland Park, Fox Lake, Lake Forest, Wildwood, Libertyville, Antioch, Grayslake and Lake Bluff.
Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) said that flooding near Dady Slough in Park City has impacted 800 nearby families.
“Stormwater and flood management is a top priority in our region. That’s why I’ve helped fund three local stormwater management projects in Washington and why I’m proud to celebrate the success of the state in Rebuild Illinois, delivering $30 million in state funding for Lake County stormwater management alone,” Schneider said.
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said the stormwater infrastructure projects will “have immediate positive impact that will last for decades.”
“All 14 of these projects are important, but the infrastructure improvements at Dady Slough will address flooding that devastated this area just a few short years ago. It is expected to benefit more than 800 properties in the Cities of Waukegan and Park City, bringing much-needed relief to disadvantaged residents in our county,” said Kurt Woolford, the executive director for the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.