Illinois court clears way for $37.6 million storm sewer project in La Grange
(UI) — An Illinois appellate court has ruled in favor of the Village of La Grange, allowing officials to move forward with a $37.6 million storm sewer project designed to reduce flooding in the community's south drainage basin.
In a June 30 decision, the Appellate Court, First District, upheld a lower court ruling affirming the village's right to continue using a 54-inch storm sewer pipe that serves the South Basin drainage system.
The dispute stems from litigation filed in 2016 by Hanson Aggregates Midwest Inc., which challenged the village's authority to repair and improve a portion of its storm sewer infrastructure after the company severed the line. Village officials argued the project is critical to reducing flooding near and along 50th Street.
The ruling removes a major legal obstacle for the planned 50th Street Relief Storm Sewer Project, which village officials said has been years in the making.
"We are thankful that the Appellate Court affirmed Judge Cohen's order and ruled to protect the Village and its residents from flooding," Village President Mark Kuchler said. "For many years, the Village has vigorously pursued this infrastructure project to bring flooding relief to our residents. We are glad to have cleared this obstacle and have our sights set on moving quickly to bid and construct this project."
The project includes construction of a trunk storm sewer from Stone Avenue to East Avenue, lateral storm sewers serving five low-lying areas, reconstruction of an outfall to improve stormwater discharge into a nearby quarry, and water main replacements coordinated with the village's lead service line replacement program.
The project is estimated to cost $37.6 million and will be built in multiple phases.
Village officials said they recently received tentative approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation for a traffic detour plan and are working toward final permit approvals. The village is also negotiating an intergovernmental agreement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago to help finance the project.
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