Infrastructure takes center stage at Lyons Township forum

Mayors, managers, public works staff, labor leaders and residents gathered to learn about the many innovative and ambitious projects the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and partners are developing and investing in to build a thriving Lyons Township.

Lyons Township Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg hosted the "Stormwater and Infrastructure Updates" luncheon on April 8 at Premier Events in Countryside. MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, joined by Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood, gave remarks along with U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (6th Dist.), Illinois Department of Transportation Project Implementation Engineer Issam Rayyan, Lyons Township Highway Commissioner Terry Carr and MWRD engineers Kevin Fitzpatrick and Holly Sauter. They discussed upcoming projects and the MWRD's latest initiatives to manage stormwater, mitigate flooding and protect area water quality.

"No one likes to see orange cones, construction fencing and closures, but at the same time, we have heard from Lyons Township residents and leaders, and they understand the value of these infrastructure improvements," said Vice President Flynn. "This work is critical to protecting our environment and keeping water out of our homes. So, I thank you for your support, patience and commitment to building a resilient Lyons Township."

The presentations featured updates on the MWRD's McCook Reservoir, part of the MWRD's Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, which increases flood protection to everyone in Lyons Township that is served by a combined sewer system. The forum also shed light on dozens of projects that the MWRD, IDOT and the Township are pushing forward to upgrade infrastructure and expand capacity to hold and convey more stormwater. The MWRD is actively engaged in voluntary acquisition of flood-prone properties in Lyons and Lyons Township, developing the Lyons and McCook Levee projects, and several green infrastructure projects like at Graves Elementary School in Summit.

"We appreciate the opportunity to meet with community representatives and citizens to collaborate on new projects that help protect our water environment and reduce flooding," MWRD Commissioner McElroy Kirkwood said. "From Lyons Township to across Cook County, we plan to continue assisting communities across the county to address their stormwater needs."

Lyons Township is home to approximately 112,732 people. Its population is comprised of residents from 18 communities including: Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Hickory Hills, Hinsdale, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, Justice, La Grange, La Grange Highlands, Lyons, McCook, Riverside, Summit, Western Springs and Willow Springs.

"Progress has been made, yet there is still more work to accomplish, more stormwater to manage, more rain to come and more work to protect our water environment," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "Thank you to Lyons Township for including us in this event and for their continued partnership to make stormwater management and flood relief a priority."