The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) and the Skokie Consolidated Drainage District celebrated the successful completion of an infrastructure improvement project today in Highland Park. The Skokie River Channel Improvement Project stabilized severely degraded streambanks along the Skokie River in Danny Cunniff Park. 

The river in this area had experienced excessive erosion, contributing to poor water quality and degraded aquatic habitats. Erosion also raised significant safety concerns by undermining structures along the river, including perimeter fences, pedestrian bridges and the walking path. The damage threatened nearby property and increased the risk of trees falling into the river. 

To address these issues, the project included stream channel grading and streambank stabilization using stone and wire baskets to reinforce areas where the riverbanks had severely slumped. These improvements will help reduce erosion and protect nearby infrastructure. 

Trees and native vegetation were also planted to improve water quality, support healthier aquatic habitats and restore the river's natural function. Together, these improvements will help stabilize the river channel, improve stream conditions and reduce the risk of flooding for nearby properties. The environmental benefits are expected to extend beyond the project site, positively affecting downstream areas as well. 

The overall improvement effort was divided into phases, with this project representing the third phase. This phase included extensive cleanup and revitalization to further improve the river corridor and its surrounding environment. 

The project was partially funded by a $2 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Additional funding was provided by the local project sponsor, the Skokie Consolidated Drainage District, which contributed $287,070. 

Lake County was awarded a $122 million appropriation from DCEO to support regional stormwater initiatives aimed at reducing flooding and improving infrastructure in communities across the county that have been particularly affected by flooding. 

From 2022 to 2024, SMC completed 13 DCEO-funded projects using the initial $30 million from this appropriation. The Skokie River Channel Improvement Project is one of 16 projects supported by the second $30 million allocation, funding projects scheduled from 2025 through 2027.