Midlothian visits MWRD to Support Stormwater Project

Midlothian Trustee Karen Kreis, Superintendent of Public Works Joe Sparrey, Midlothian residents known as "Team Floodlothian," and Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) representatives attended the March 17 Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD's) Board of Commissioners meeting to commend commissioners and staff for their work in providing much needed flood control work in their community.

During the meeting the MWRD Board approved a proposal to move forward with final design on a flood control project on Natalie Creek in Midlothian and Oak Forest.

Trustee Kreis called the project a "game changer, providing the community with 25-year rainfall event protection compared to the two-year rainfall event protection they currently have. The project will not only protect the community environment, but it will also provide an economic boost to Midlothian," said Trustee Kreis.

Recent severe rainfall events of high intensity with a short duration have caused flooding that has led to destruction and distress for those who live in the vicinity of Natalie Creek. As a result, many residents experience overland flooding on their property and in their basements and garages.

"We look forward to providing greatly needed flood controls that will benefit hundreds of people," said MWRD Board of Commissioners President Mariyana Spyropoulos.

The MWRD is developing alternatives to reduce the impact of "overbank flooding" on Natalie Creek from 153rd Street and Lavergne Ave. to 146th Street and Pulaski Road. The project will help to alleviate flooding concerns in both Midlothian and Oak Forest.

"The Natalie Creek project exemplifies the kind of collaborative action that's needed to address the region's flooding challenges," said Molly Oshun, RainReady Community Manager. "MWRD's leadership on this project sets Midlothian on a new path to community resilience.

Midlothian was also among the first communities to join the MWRD's free rain barrel distribution program. Midlothian residents can contact Kristen Ramirez at 708-389-9658 or email kramirez@villageofmidlothian.org to request rain barrels.

In the photo (L-R): Theda Reed, Chris Parker, Jackie Hill, Helen Lekavich, Commissioner Debra Shore, Midlothian Trustee Karen Kreis, Midlothian Trustee Gary L'Heureux, Midlothian Superintendent of Public Works Joe Sparrey, MWRD staff Principal Civil Engineer Joe Kratzer, Senior Civil Engineer Cedric Robertson and Managing Civil Engineer John Murray pause during the March 17 Board meeting to discuss Midlothian's stormwater management project.

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