Skokie presents stormwater task force findings; recommends five priority projects and rebate program

Skokie village officials on Jan. 6 presented findings from a multi‑year review of the village’s stormwater system and recommended a mix of capital projects and homeowner programs to reduce basement flooding.

The presentation, led by Village Manager John Lockerbie and engineering staff with consultant Christopher B. Burke Engineering, concluded that the village’s system—originally designed in the 1980s for a 10‑year storm—now provides about a two‑year level of protection because rainfall intensities have increased. Jeff Jalkowski of Christopher Burke said the model and measurements “verify that original design,” and that the change in protection stems from updates to rainfall data rather than a failure of the infrastructure.

The task force and consultants recommended prioritizing five “tier 1” capital projects (out of 17 concept projects) that give the greatest protection per estimated cost, continuing to refine a second tier, and dropping or deferring a third tier as not cost‑effective. They also urged creation of a…