Durbin: Levee 37 to Protect Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights from Floods

Press Release

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today said the latest Des Plaines River Flood Damage Reduction Phase 1 project will provide protection for hundreds of homes and businesses in Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights. Durbin, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, has worked with others to secure $5.62 million in federal funds this year for the construction of the Levee 37 flood control project.

"Homeowners and businesses along the Des Plaines River shouldn't have to think about filling sandbags every time it rains," Durbin said. "This federal funding will protect area residents and businesses from the damage and disruptions caused by flooding.

"Heavy rain and severe flooding continues to draw attention to the need for improvements in flood control measures that will protect Illinois homes and businesses. In September, massive storms in Northern Illinois affected thousands of residents causing evacuations, two deaths, sewer backup, road closures and damage to over 2500 residences and nearly 200 businesses. In the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act, nearly $8 million has been included for flood damage reduction along the Des Plaines River. The Upper Des Plaines River Watershed project is considered one of the most important flood control initiatives in the State of Illinois.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Levee 37 flood control project will save an estimated $1.7 million in flood damage costs and eliminate the need for sandbags when water levels rise. The levee will be an 8,500 foot long structure largely comprised of a concrete wall. The project is a collaborative effort among Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, the Army Corps, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.Durbin has helped secure $26 million in federal funds to date for Phase 1 of the Des Plaines River Flood Damage Reduction project. The total cost of Phase 1 is $72 million with a federal share of $47 million.

Phase 2 of the Des Plaines River Flood Damage Reduction project is an $11 million flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration study that focuses on the entire Upper Des Plaines River Watershed. In addition to flood damage reduction, the purpose of this study also includes ecosystem restoration, water quality, and recreation features. Durbin has helped secure $4.8 million of the project's $5.2 million federal share.

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