Winnetka Dumps Stormwater Tunnel Project

A highly controversial stormwater tunnel project in Winnetka has been squashed by village trustees due to the steep increase in the projected cost of the project.

A new cost estimate showed the cost of the proposed project raised from $58.5 million to $81.3 million, according to the Winnetka Talk. More than a year ago, voters in Winnetka rejected a referendum request on the tunnel when the expected cost then was just $34 million.

The consistent rise in costs involved led to the trustee’s’ decision to terminate the project and “pursue options for routing stormwater westward rather than eastward into Lake Michigan.”

“From my standpoint, that’s a lot of money and we have not determined if the village can cover this kind of debt,” said Village President Gene Greable. “I’m really strong on this westward solution. We have to find a solution to the water problems we’ve had in this village.”

Other options will be discussed at Village meetings on September 15 and October 6.

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