Chicago MWRD advances $550 million bond issue and local flood projects following historic storm

Chicago MWRD advances $550 million bond issue and local flood projects following historic stormFresh off capturing 13 billion gallons of stormwater during severe July rains, the utility is securing capital market and state revolving funds to expand its flood control and treatment infrastructure.

The board held a public hearing on its intent to issue up to $550 million in General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds.

Officials celebrated the performance of the Thornton and McCook reservoirs, which captured 13 billion gallons during a major early July storm.

The board approved a $3.6 million contribution for a green schoolyard pilot in Summit designed to capture 775,000 gallons of stormwater.

Staff confirmed the upcoming Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin project in Harvey will provide 7.5 million gallons of storage and protect 209 homes.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is pressing forward with major capital funding and local green infrastructure projects following a severe Fourth of July weekend storm that heavily tested its existing flood control assets. During a July 16 meeting, the Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on the district's intent to issue up to $550 million in General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds. Director of Engineering Catherine O'Connor stated the bonds will be issued as state revolving fund loan obligations and capital market bonds to maintain balances for ongoing sewage treatment works, water quality improvements, and flood control facilities. The capital push comes immediately after a historic stress test of the district's deep tunnel and reservoir system. Executive Director John Murray noted that the system successfully captured 13 billion gallons of water during the recent storms, preventing combined sewer overflows. The Thornton Reservoir filled completely, holding nearly 7.9 billion gallons locally. To further alleviate pressure on the combined sewer system, the board approved an intergovernmental agreement for the Suburban Green Schoolyard Pilot Project in Summit. MWRD will cover the $3.6 million green infrastructure portion of the project, which is designed to capture 775,000 gallons of stormwater. The local school district will fund the recreational components. Murray also provided an update on the Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin project in Harvey, a community heavily impacted by the recent flooding. The project, which will include 10,000 feet of new storm sewers and 7.5 million gallons of storage capacity, is expected to protect 209 homes. Demolition is scheduled for late 2026, with construction contingent on nearby transportation work expected to begin in late 2027 or 2028. Looking ahead, the engineering department is also wrapping up a feasibility study on Deer Creek to divert flow that would otherwise enter the reservoir system, creating additional storage space for future extreme weather events.