Flooding Relief: Justice Secures $2.2 Million for Stormwater Improvements

The village of Justice, Illinois, is set to tackle persistent flooding issues with the help of a $2.2 million grant from the state. This funding, provided through the Rebuild Illinois Program, will be used to replace aging stormwater lines in key areas of the village, bringing much-needed relief to residents affected by water accumulation on streets and yards.

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The Justice Stormwater Improvement Project

The grant will fund the Justice Stormwater Improvement Project, which aims to replace outdated stormwater lines to mitigate flooding problems in several areas of the village.

Matthew Zarebczan, the village’s Director of Economic Development, oversees grant management and expressed enthusiasm about the funding.

“They have released the funds to us. We are very happy,” Zarebczan said during a board meeting on December 23.

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Key Areas Targeted for Improvement

The project will focus on replacing stormwater lines in these specific locations:

1. 84th Place and 85th Street (between 81st Avenue and Interstate 294).
2. 88th Avenue to 90th Avenue (between 84th Place and 85th Place).
3. 86th Avenue (from 81st Street to 79th Street).
4. 81st Street (from 86th Court to 86th Avenue).

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Flooding Challenges in Justice

Flooding in Justice is primarily caused by runoff from the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294), which channels large volumes of water into the village. Additionally, water from nearby Hickory Hills flows into the 90th Avenue ditch, further exacerbating the problem.

Zarebczan explained that these improvements would significantly alleviate flooding in affected areas.

“We get a lot of water along the tollway, so this should alleviate a lot of the issues over there,” he said. “This is going to help quite a bit.”

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The Project Timeline

The village is moving quickly to implement the project. Zarebczan shared that they plan to finalize applications this year, with the bidding process for construction expected to begin in mid-to-late 2025.

While flooding issues have primarily been confined to streets and yards, Zarebczan emphasized the importance of leveraging funding to address the long-standing problem.

“Being able to leverage funding like this and get the assistance… Some of these projects were on hold until we could find ways to get them done. This gets it done,” he added.

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Aging Infrastructure

Justice’s stormwater infrastructure is decades old, with some lines dating back 70 to 80 years, according to Mayor Kris Wasowicz.

“Our engineer is making plans. Some of the storm lines are 70, 80 years old,” the mayor said. He also expressed his gratitude for the state’s support, highlighting the importance of modernizing the village’s stormwater systems to prevent further flooding.

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Community Impact

The improvements are expected to benefit residents significantly, especially in areas where flooding has caused inconvenience and potential safety hazards. While most flooding in Justice is contained to streets and yards, the project aims to ensure long-term solutions for water management.

Residents have voiced concerns over the years about the impact of flooding on their properties and the challenges it creates during heavy rains. The funding and planned improvements offer hope for a more resilient infrastructure that can handle future water flow effectively.

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Rebuild Illinois Program

The funding for the Justice Stormwater Improvement Project comes from the Rebuild Illinois Program, an initiative aimed at improving infrastructure across the state. This program focuses on addressing critical infrastructure needs, including roads, bridges, and water management systems, to enhance the quality of life for Illinois residents.

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Next Steps

With state funding secured, the village is poised to take the next steps in planning and implementation. As applications are finalized and the bidding process begins, Justice residents can look forward to a more efficient stormwater system that addresses flooding concerns comprehensively.

Zarebczan emphasized the importance of proactive measures to tackle infrastructure challenges, stating, “You really need to get it done. This gets it done.”

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Key Takeaways

• The village of Justice received $2.2 million in state funding to address flooding through the Justice Stormwater Improvement Project.
• Outdated stormwater lines in key areas will be replaced to mitigate water runoff from Interstate 294 and surrounding neighborhoods.
• The project is expected to begin the bidding phase in mid-to-late 2025.
• The improvements aim to reduce flooding in streets and yards, benefiting residents and enhancing public safety.

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