June 10, 2024
Capital Improvement Project in Park City Finalized
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) and the City of Park City marked the completion of the Park City Stormwater Capital Improvement project today with a ribbon cutting. This infrastructure improvement has involved years of planning and work and will alleviate flooding for more than 800 properties in Park City.
Construction included the installation of large box culverts, storm sewer system upgrades extending from Illinois Route 120 south to Greenbelt Forest Preserve and removing the stormwater system restrictor plate at the Casimir Pulaski Drive culvert.
This project was designated as a high priority for a capital improvement grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity because this area of Park City is located at the headwaters of the Skokie River. This results in an increased chance of flooding after heavy rainfall. The completion will benefit many states, all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a major step forward in flood mitigation to protect the people, property and the environment.
“The residents of this area have endured the pain and damage of flooding for years,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “I appreciate Stormwater Management Commission’s dedication to prioritizing projects that upgrade the aging infrastructure throughout our county and positively impact resident’s quality of life.”
This area has been impacted by severe flooding over the years. Main roadways such as Washington Street and Belvidere Road, along with numerous local roads, have been closed because of high water. Washington Street has been closed eight times in the last six years because of flooding, including during the July 2017 flood event when it was closed for two days. Major road closures like this not only affect local residents, but also commuters and businesses. In 2017, during the July flood event, 22 properties, mostly residential, also reported some level of structural damage.
“Rain levels have been increasing in our area for years, resulting in an ever-increasing amount of flooding,” said Ernesto Huaracha, Project Lead for the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission. “This project was necessary to protect the people and properties of Lake County, especially here in Park City. I’m proud and grateful to have gotten to lead this project to help make a major impact on flooding in our county. The SMC team is constantly working for a better Lake County in our efforts of flood mitigation and stormwater management.”
“Now that the Park City Stormwater Capital Improvement project is completed, residents can be more secure knowing that rain is much less likely to disrupt their day or negatively impact their home,” said Lake County District 14 Board Member Angelo Kyle. “I’m very impressed with the planning and collaboration between our state and local partners that enabled this project to be completed.”
This project was funded by the initial $30 million of $122 million awarded to SMC by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to complete regional stormwater infrastructure projects. The initial funding is being used to complete 14 projects, providing stormwater management benefits to more than 2,300 properties and 25 roadways across our county. Additional funding for this project in the amount of $42,527 was provided by the City of Park City.
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