The La Grange Village Board meeting on September 11, 2023, focused on the approval of a significant resolution regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The board discussed a sub-recipient agreement with Cook County that will provide $325,000 in grant funding aimed at enhancing local sewer backup prevention efforts.

The grant includes $50,000 available for immediate use this fiscal year and an additional $275,000 earmarked for the next fiscal year. This funding is intended to fully support the village's Sewer Backup Prevention Grant Program, which assists homeowners in making plumbing improvements to mitigate sanitary sewer backups. The program offers a reimbursement of 50% of eligible costs for installing backflow devices or overhead sewers, with caps of $3,000 and $5,000, respectively. Additionally, permit fees for the work are waived.

Village officials emphasized the importance of utilizing this funding, as it represents a rare opportunity to secure financial support from Cook County. The program has been in place for the past two years, with a budget of $50,000 allocated annually. However, the new grant will significantly expand the resources available to residents considering these improvements.

Trustee discussions highlighted the flexibility of the funding, with the potential for unspent amounts to carry over into subsequent years. The board unanimously supported the resolution, encouraging residents to take advantage of the program while funds are available.

In conclusion, the approval of this resolution marks a crucial step in enhancing La Grange's infrastructure and supporting residents in preventing sewer backups, ultimately improving the quality of life and property values in the community.