Several areas of the city will be recommended for infrastructure improvements to address flooding, including increasing the sizes of storm sewers, after four studies are completed this year.

Aldermen approved the latest of the flood studies to look at the Craig Manor subdivision near the park on Des Plaines’ north side at a council meeting on May 7. Other studies have looked at The Villas off Algonquin Road and the intersection of Forest Ave. and Earl Drive.

Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. is completing the four studies, approved by the city in August. The work will cost Des Plaines about $50,000.

Earlier: Gaming tax revenue planned for flood control, debt reduction.

Last year the area experienced a series of severe thunderstorms within the span of a few weeks. The city spent approximately $100,000 to pick up debris from the storm and damaged property from residents’ homes.

Tim Oakley, director of public works and engineering, said, based on the outcome of the four current Burke studies, he would likely propose to add those improvements as an addendum to the master flood plan later this year during the 2013 budgeting process. Those capital improvement projects would likely begin next year, pending aldermen approval.

“These studies are the result of storm water flooding,” said Oakley said resident complaints and city staff research helped determine what areas would be studied.

Stay connected: Receive an email from Des Plaines Patch with headlines in the morning for free.

Similar Work in 2001

Des Plaines had a similar flood in October of 2001, which spurred the creation of a second master flood plan in 2003. That plan outlined $20 million in improvements to city’s storm water and sewer system

Most of the studies’ recommendations have been to increase the diameter of storm sewers, increase the retention in water basins and to flood-proof homes in nearby areas, Oakley said.

Generator Rebate Program

The city allocated $150,000 for the generator reimbursement program, which ended in January. Mayor Martin Moylan and Fourth Ward Alderman Dick Sayad promoted the program as a relief to residents whose homes flooded in last summer’s storms.

Des Plaines has a rebate program for residents looking to prevent flooding in their home. The city will reimburse residents up to $2,000 for projects like installing overhead sewers, basement waterproofing and back-up sump pumps. For more information on the program visit the City of Des Plaines website.

Like our Facebook page; it's social media-licious.