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La Grange Park board approves intent to build $13 million central-area sewer separation project
Summary
The Village of La Grange Park unanimously approved a resolution of intent to pursue a roughly $13 million central-area sewer separation project, accepting $4 million from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and authorizing alternate revenue bonds to cover remaining costs.
The Village of La Grange Park Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution confirming the village's intent to construct the central-area sewer separation project and accept $4 million in funding from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC).
The measure, which passed on a unanimous roll call, commits the village to pursue approximately $13 million in construction and related costs to reduce stormwater flooding and sanitary sewer backups in the central area bounded roughly by 31st Street to the north, the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad to the east, Oak Avenue to the south and La Grange Road to the west.
The village manager and public works director said the project combines gray and green infrastructure components to divert stormwater from the combined sewer system. Village manager Julia (Village Manager) told trustees the scope includes installation of about 7,200 feet of storm sewers, construction of an 80-foot box culvert to provide roughly 450,000 gallons of underground storage, a storm pump station with an 11,000-gallons-per-minute capacity, 4,600 feet of force main to Salt Creek, and six green‑infill intersections to improve stormwater management. The total estimated cost presented to the board was approximately $13 million.
The resolution formalizes the village’s financing approach: accept a $4 million MWRDGC Stormwater Partnership contribution, issue up to $5 million in alternate revenue (sewer) bonds, and appropriate remaining funds from village reserves and grants (including referenced HUD and Illinois DCEO sources) as needed. The board discussed two financing options earlier: an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) low‑interest loan (competitive and uncertain) and alternate revenue bonds (higher rate but more reliable). The board supported the alternate‑revenue‑bond path to reduce funding uncertainty.
Public works staff and the village engineer emphasized the project's long history. Director Rick Ratti, Public Works Director, and Julia recounted repeated flooding events dating back to 2010, community meetings, and years of grant and funding applications. They said the village also pursued smaller green projects — three green intersections and two green alleys — with MWRDGC support while seeking funding for the larger gray infrastructure work.
Trustees described the vote as a culmination of many years of work and residents’ advocacy. Trustee Lautner said the improvement will provide relief for residents who have experienced repeated basement flooding; Trustee Stewart and others praised staff persistence in securing MWRDGC support.
The village said next steps include MWRDGC assignment of a project manager, negotiating an intergovernmental agreement that will formalize the funding partnership, and proceeding with preparations for construction intended to begin in fiscal year 2026 and complete in fiscal year 2028.
Votes at a glance: The resolution (packet item 25‑09) passed unanimously. The board recorded the outcome as approved and directed staff to proceed with the funding IGA negotiations and related preliminary work.
