Nov. 2, 2022
Storm Sewer Improvement Completion Celebration in Lake Forest
Today, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and City of Lake Forest came together to celebrate the completion of the Burr Oak Area Storm Sewer Improvement Project.
The completed work, while out of sight, brings flood mitigation relief to homes and businesses in downtown Lake Forest. Grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the City of Lake Forest was utilized to construct storm sewer system upgrades and underground storage facilities to help protect residents and businesses in the area from flood risk.
“We are excited to celebrate the completion of the Burr Oak Area Storm Sewer Improvement Project,” said Lake Forest Mayor George A. Pandaleon. “This very important investment in the City’s infrastructure will help reduce flooding for over 300 residents and businesses in the immediate area. The StormTrap underground detention tank holds 847,000 gallons during peak storms and by doing so, protects one of Lake Forest’s treasured natural resources, our ravine system.”
The new StormTrap provides increased capacity for stormwater detention, improved stormwater quality and flow control. This helps to mitigate many harmful effects of high-volume stormwater runoff, such as erosion and flooding. It also eliminates the need for above ground ponds, thereby creating more usable land.
“We give special thanks to former County Board Member (and former Mayor) Mike Rummell, current County Board Members Paras Parekh and Paul Frank, County Board Chair Sandy Hart, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, State Representative Bob Morgan, and State Senator Julie Morrison for their help in securing a grant for roughly half of the $5.4 million project cost,” Pandaleon said.
“While we cannot always prevent flooding, there are critical steps that can be taken to reduce its impact on the community, and the Burr Oak project is a prime example of that. Partnerships with local jurisdictions combined with state and federal agencies continue to play a key role in ongoing flood damage reduction across Lake County,” said Donald Schmit, Chair for the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.
The completed work will have a significant impact on several roadways and businesses currently susceptible to street flooding including Western Avenue, a major roadway in the area.
“Thanks to the combined efforts of the Stormwater Management Commission’s effective floodplain and stormwater management and flood hazard mitigation activities, and those of local partners like the City of Lake Forest, flood damage has and continues to decrease in our area.” County Board Chair Sandy Hart said. “The additional benefits of managing rainwater runoff includes decreasing pollutants in our water systems and groundwater replenishment.”
“Bringing the Burr Oak Area Storm Sewer Improvement Project to reality has taken incredible teamwork, collaboration and funding," said County Board Member Paras Parekh who represents District 12." I am thrilled that this long-awaited project is complete as I am sure the businesses and residents in the area are as well."
In May 2022, Lake County welcomed Illinois Governor Pritzker to announce $30 million in grant funding to complete regional stormwater infrastructure projects, including this completed project in Lake Forest. The funding was used to support 14 projects and provide stormwater management benefits to more than 2,300 properties and 25 roadways most effected by flooding across Lake County.
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