The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of a storm sewer improvement project in Flossmoor, Illinois.
“Flossmoor is thrilled to be the recipient of grants from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, MWRD and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency,” Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson said. “These grants are funding much needed flood mitigation improvements throughout our neighborhoods and creating sustainable infrastructure for the Berry Lane area. We are directly protecting private property and ensuring emergency access in even the worst of storms. On behalf of the residents of Flossmoor and the Village Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Congresswoman Robin Kelly and the USACE, MWRD, and IEPA for the grant assistance as well as Village Staff and the contractors working tirelessly to make this project a reality!"
The project will provide improvements to the Village of Flossmoor’s storm sewer infrastructure to reduce roadway and residential flooding along Berry Lane in Flossmoor, Illinois. Work includes installation of over 2600 feet of concrete storm sewer, 14 manholes, and 18 storm catch basins along Berry Lane, Bob ‘O Link Road, Oakmont Avenue, and Maryland Avenue – where it will connect with an existing storm sewer under Sterling Avenue.
“Infrastructure improvement projects are the result of partnerships among federal, regional, and local agencies,” Col. Paul Culberson, USACE Chicago District commander, said. “We are extremely proud of this project and the economic and environmental benefits it will provide to the community in Flossmoor.”
The contract was awarded to the Airy’s Inc. of Tinley Park, Illinois, for $2,915,724 (including options). Field construction started in April 2022.
The project is authorized under Section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992. Section 219 allows USACE to provide planning, design, and construction assistance for carrying out water-related environmental infrastructure projects in select areas. Projects under this authority are cost shared 75 percent federal and 25 percent nonfederal sponsor. This project, part of the Cook County Environmental Infrastructure 219 program, has been allocated $1,500,000 of federal funding. Local sponsor is the Village of Flossmoor.
“I worked to secure funding for this stormwater improvement project because I believe in investing in the future of our communities and protecting Illinoisans from the impacts of climate change,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “This project will help protect the roadway and homes along Berry Lane and keep the residents of this neighborhood safer while ensuring that our infrastructure investments are lasting. As climate change continues, we will experience flooding with more regularity and must ensure that our infrastructure is suited to keep roadways clear. I am proud to work with the Village of Flossmoor and the Army Corps of Engineers on this project.”