La Grange '100% Committed' To Flooding Relief

LA GRANGE, IL — La Grange officials have acknowledged residents' frustration with the recent destruction caused by flooding. As a result, Village President Mark Kuchler earlier this month announced the creation of a task force to deal with stormwater issues. The task force consists of trustees Lou Gale and David McCarty and staff. At Monday's Village Board meeting, Kuchler said they have been meeting regularly.

According to the minutes from the Village Board's June 8 meeting, the village is "100% committed to completing a fiscally responsible and meaningful" plan for stormwater projects. The Village Board, the minutes state, consists of members that experienced flooding as well, the minutes state.

At the June 8 meeting, Public Works Director Ryan Gillingham said the village investigated the storm sewers after the May 17 flooding and it appeared the system was operating properly, but was overwhelmed. On May 16 and 17, La Grange received 4.2 inches of rain, in addition to 2.8 inches in the two days before that, according to the village.

Much of La Grange's stormwater system was built more than a century ago.

For years, the village has looked at a 50th Street storm sewer project that would address flooding and water pooling issues south of 47th Street, according to meeting minutes. In 2015, residents approved a referendum allowing taxes for the project. Litigation connected to the project halted it for years until a settlement was reached in 2018.

At the June 8 meeting, officials said the village is in the final stages of discussions with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for an agreement to deal with the 50th Street sewer project. That agreement is required before the project can begin, officials said.