TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 1, 2023
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 for a multi-benefit Flood Control Project located between the Village of Glenwood and the Village of Ford Heights
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) for a multi-benefit Flood Control Project located between the Village of Glenwood and the Village of Ford Heights.
The FPDCC is in the process of acquiring land in southeast Cook County in accordance with their Southeast Cook County Land Acquisition Plan. Part of this plan includes an area near the confluence of Deer Creek and Third Creek, located between the villages of Glenwood and Ford Heights, that the District has also identified as a prime location to create stormwater storage to provide flood relief along Deer Creek, Thorn Creek, and the Little Calumet River. This is an opportunity to collaborate with the FPDCC to create a multi-benefit flood control project in an underserved area.
At this preliminary conceptual phase, the District and the FPDCC plan to utilize nature-based designs to provide recreational opportunities and habitat improvements using naturalized areas established with native vegetation and widened floodplains restored with riparian habitats. The project would also direct stormwater from Deer Creek and Third Creek into a series of hydraulically connected stormwater storage areas to provide a minimum of 1,650 acre-feet of volume. The flood control improvements will benefit communities including the Village of Ford Heights, Village of Glenwood, Village of Thornton, Village of South Holland, City of Calumet City and Village of Lansing.
An IGA is needed to develop a more detailed project plan and to coordinate the major project components, including land acquisition, design, construction, ownership, and maintenance. Depending on the phasing and project complexity, multiple IGAs may be needed to address specific project components.
Based on the foregoing, it is requested that the Board of Commissioners grant authority for the District to negotiate an IGA with the FPDCC for this multi-benefit Flood Control Project. Authority to enter into the IGA with the FPDCC will be sought from the Board of Commissioners after negotiations have been finalized.
Requested, Catherine A. O’Connor, Director of Engineering, KMF: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 June 1, 2023