TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2019
COMMITTEE ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to negotiate an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to collaborate on the restoration and maintenance of the McCook Levee
Body
Dear Sir:
Authority is requested to negotiate an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) to collaborate on the restoration and maintenance of the McCook Levee.
McCook Levee was constructed by the District circa 1900 on District property, a portion of which was sold to the FPDCC in 1950. Severe flooding occurred in the Village of McCook as a result of a rainfall event that occurred on April 18 - 19, 2013. Based on hydraulic modeling and survey data collected by the District, it appears the McCook Levee may be overtopped during significant storm events.
On January 5, 2017, the Board of Commissioners granted authority to negotiate a Feasibility Cost Sharing 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 McCook Levee. On February 16, 2017, the Board of Commissioners granted authority to enter a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement, to collaborate on flood control improvements to the McCook Levee with the Corps, in an amount not to exceed $250,000.00. On October 18, 2018, the Board of Commissioners granted Authority to negotiate and enter into a Project Partnership Agreement with the Corps, for the McCook Levee Flood Risk Management Project, and make payment to the Corps in an amount not to exceed $2,145,500.00.
The restoration will include raising and improving the slope of the McCook Levee from 45th Street downstream to south of 47th Street on property owned by the FPDCC. The construction cost estimate for the levee restoration is approximately $4.3 million. The restoration of the McCook Levee will protect approximately 18 structures from flooding as well as prevent undesirable co-mingling of the waters of the Des Plaines River and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.
An IGA will define the collaborative responsibilities of both the FPDCC and the District on this project. The District serves as the local sponsor of this project designed and constructed by the Corps, and will maintain the structural components of the McCook Levee. The FPDCC will maintain the landscaping components of the McCook Levee improvements as well as any improvements and responsibilities associated with their ownership of the property. The IGA would also require the FPDCC to convey easements necessary for construction and maintenance. The final design work is complete and the Corps intends to award this project upon the District’s completion of the IGA process with the FPDCC.
Based on the foregoing, it is respectfully requested that the Board of Commissioners grant authority to negotiate an IGA with the FPDCC, which will include the above provisions. Once the parties agree in principle, authority to enter into an IGA will be sought from the Board of Commissioners.
Requested, Catherine A. O’Connor, Director of Engineering, WSS:JK
Recommended, Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for September 5, 2019