TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 15, 2025
COMMITTEE ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Mr. John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Title
Authority to amend the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for land acquisition, concept planning, and preliminary engineering for a multi-benefit flood control project located in southeast Cook County
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to amend the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) for land acquisition, concept planning, and preliminary engineering for a multi-benefit flood control project located in southeast Cook County (Project).
On May 16, 2024, the Board of Commissioners authorized an IGA with the FPDCC for a multi-benefit flood control project in southeast Cook County. The project intends to reduce flood damage and provide increased flood protection for communities along Deer Creek, Thorn Creek, and the Little Calumet River, including the Village of Ford Heights, the Village of Glenwood, the Village of Thornton, the Village of South Holland, the City of Calumet City, and the Village of Lansing.
While the planning and conceptual design work proceeds, the District and the FPDCC plan to move forward with initial land acquisition for the Project. To ensure coordination between the parties on land acquisition, this IGA amendment clarifies that any properties purchased at this stage will require Board approval of both agencies for this joint project. In addition, the IGA amendment clarifies that, after the respective Board approvals, the FPDCC will reimburse the District for any property acquired, and any properties conveyed to the FPDCC will reserve a permanent flood control easement for the District for the Project.
Based on the foregoing, it is requested that the Board grant authority for the District to amend the IGA with the FPDCC to clarify the land acquisition process as described herein. It is further requested that the Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Acting Executive Director, and Clerk be authorized to execute said amendment on behalf of the District, upon approval by the Director of Engineering as to technical matters and by the General Counsel as to form and legality.
Requested, Catherine A. O’Connor, Director of Engineering, KMF:JK
Recommended, John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for May 15, 2025