TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JANUARY 5, 2017
COMMITTEE ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to negotiate a Project Partnership Agreement with the Department of the Army, represented by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), to collaborate on flood control improvements to the Lyons Levee
Body
Dear Sir:
Authority is requested to negotiate a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) with the Department of the Army, represented by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), to collaborate on flood control improvements to the Lyons Levee.
During April 18-19, 2013, severe flooding occurred when the Lyons Levee was overtopped by the Des Plaines River in the Village of Forest View. Nearly 270 homes and numerous businesses located along Harlem Avenue sustained flood damages as a result of this event.
Under an authority granted by the Board of Commissioners on October 1, 2015, the District is presently collaborating with the Corps on a study under Section 205, Flood Control Act of 1948 (Section 205) to investigate measures to address flood risks in the communities of Forest View and Stickney, Illinois. Section 205 authorizes the Secretary of the Army, in cooperation with non-Federal interests, to plan and construct flood risk management projects costing up to $10,000,000.00.
The District completed preliminary engineering, and has begun final design of the levee improvements.
It is anticipated that the Corps will receive design and construction funding approval under Section 205, and would want to enter into a cost sharing agreement with the District for design and construction, whereby the pending project costs at the time of the agreement would be shared as follows: 65% Federal and 35% non-Federal. Such an agreement would be consistent with the ongoing collaboration between the District and the Corps.
The PPA will define the collaborative responsibilities of both the Corps and the District. As the non-Federal local sponsor, the District’s responsibilities will include the acquisition of required rights-of-way and easements for the construction and maintenance of the levee improvements. The District will also be responsible for maintaining the structural components of the levee, upon construction of the levee improvements.
Based on the foregoing, it is respectfully requested that the Board of Commissioners grant authority to negotiate a PPA with the Corps. Once the parties agree in principle, authority to enter into a PPA will be sought from the Board of Commissioners.
Requested, Catherine A. O’Connor, Director of Engineering, WSS:JK
Recommended, David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Respectfully Submitted, Kari K. Steele, Chairman Committee on Stormwater Management
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for January 5, 2017