'Obstacles' To Solving La Grange Flooding: Official

LA GRANGE, IL — Obstacles remain as La Grange tries to reach an agreement with a regional agency to handle local flooding problems, the village president said this week.

Village President Mark Kuchler said Monday he and village staff have met with officials from the Metro Water Reclamation District for an agreement on the 50th Street project and related reservoir system.

"There remains obstacles, and it looks we may not be able to enter into an (intergovernmental agreement)," Kuchler told the Village Board.

However, he said he had a phone conversation with the district's president, Kari Steele, and that she understands the need for flood relief.

"She asked me to tell residents that MWRD wants to work with us to find the best solution," Kuchler said.

He also said the village met with representatives of the Hanson quarry, with which the village settled litigation in 2019.

"We are working to find a solution to our flooding issues," Kuchler said. "We will continue to report on these efforts."

The village has been trying for a long time to reach an agreement with the district, which treats wastewater and provides stormwater management. The efforts are because of major flooding in La Grange in 2010, 2011 and 2014.

In February, then-Village President Tom Livingston said a deal with the district was likely. But he said handling the issue was an "extremely long-term" process.