Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Levy Bnsf topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board authorizes BNSF preliminary engineering agreement for Lisle levee review; review cost estimated at $16,226 with village cap of $20,000
Summary
The board authorized the village manager to sign a preliminary engineering services agreement with BNSF Railway so the railroad can review the Army Corps 60% levee design. The village will pay BNSF's review costs (estimated $16,226) subject to a $20,000 cap; an easement from BNSF will be required before final construction.
The Village of Lisle Village Board on April 21 authorized the village manager to execute a preliminary engineering services agreement with BNSF Railway to permit the railroad to review proposed levee improvements where the East Branch of the DuPage River meets the BNSF railroad.
Director Elias told the board that the Army Corps of Engineers is preparing a 60% plan submittal, anticipated in June, which BNSF will review to determine impacts to railroad facilities and the embankment. "The existing levee ties in," Elias said, and BNSF wants to review the tie-in to make sure it is comfortable with the proposed changes. The village will be responsible for BNSF's review costs; BNSF estimated $16,226 and the agreement caps village financial exposure at $20,000. Any additional review work beyond the cap would require separate village approval.
Why this matters: the levee project's southern limit intersects railroad property and embankment; if BNSF objects to the tie-in the railroad's concern could jeopardize the project. Elias said the review is a critical coordination step and that the village ultimately will need an easement from BNSF for project work. Trustee questions in the meeting sought clarity on whether hydraulic modeling and 60% design work had been completed (Elias said modeling had been completed and plans were in preparation) and whether the BNSF review counts toward the village's match for the project (Elias confirmed easement acquisition costs count toward the match).
Next steps and financials: the village will submit the Army Corps 60% plans for BNSF review after the submittal is ready; the village will pay BNSF up to the $20,000 cap without further approval; any additional fees would require authorization. The board approved the resolution by roll call.
No construction authorization occurred at the meeting; this action authorizes coordination and engineering review with the railroad ahead of later design and permitting steps.
