Dupage Policy Journal

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and other local officials have announced that Levee 37 will provide protection for more than 600 existing homes and dozens of business in Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights, with an estimated average annual savings of more than $3 million.

“Rising river waters is something we are all-too-familiar with in Illinois," Durbin said. "Homeowners and businesses along the Des Plaines River shouldn’t have to think about filling sandbags every time it rains. Levee 37 will save communities from flood damage and save money – dollars spent on levees like this one help prevent disaster dollars needed down the line. This milestone is the culmination of many years of work and I am pleased to see this federal investment come to fruition to keep communities safe.”

Schakowsky stressed the importance of flood protection in the community as each year homes and businesses face threats from rainstorms and the Des Plaines River.

"Levee 37 will provide strong controls to reduce flooding for hundreds of Illinoisans and save millions of dollars," Schakowsky said. "That is exactly the type of preventive action we must take to keep residents safe and avoid property damage. I am proud to have worked with federal, state and local leaders to make Levee 37 a reality."