Glen Ellyn Countryside will receive $257,745 in federal flood reduction funding after the DuPage County Stormwater Management Committee approved the FEMA grant at its Aug. 4 meeting.
The grant, listed as a Flood Reduction Project for the unincorporated subdivision, was sent to the county's Finance Committee for final processing. The committee minutes do not detail the specific project scope or timeline for the work.
Committee Chair Jim Zay used the same 15-minute meeting to float a broader idea: a county-municipal partnership to dredge detention ponds across DuPage neighborhoods.
"The detention ponds in the neighborhoods need to be maintained to optimize flood control capacity and to prevent obstruction at the inlets and outlets," Zay said. He added that he wants to explore a program where municipalities and the county would jointly assess detention areas and dredge where needed.
No formal proposal exists yet. Zay offered no budget or timeline for the concept.
Tornado damage on county lots
Zay also reported that several county-owned lots sustained tree damage from the EF-0 tornado that struck Glen Ellyn on July 28, with peak winds near 80 mph. A complaint had been filed alleging the lots were not being maintained. Zay said county staff routinely inspect and maintain the properties.
Stormwater Management Director Sarah Hunn told the committee the lot in question sat directly in the tornado's path, making the damage unavoidable. Staff arborist Luke Engel assessed two lots in the area and coordinated tree trimming and removal with contractors. Several trees have been taken down, with debris cleanup continuing as scheduling allows.
As we reported Aug. 4, the village launched an emergency branch and brush collection the week of Aug. 3 after the National Weather Service confirmed the tornado.
Flood operations overtime
The committee approved a $31,000 budget transfer to cover overtime and temporary salaries driven in part by field crews working during flood operations. The transfer also accounts for projected snow plowing costs and the department's intern program. Heavy rainfall from July 3 through July 6 dropped between 3.5 and 8 inches of rain across parts of the county.
Hunn noted that between storms, staff have been inspecting inlets and outlets to prepare for the next event.
Glen Ellyn Countryside, located near North Avenue and Bloomingdale Road, was built before modern stormwater detention requirements. According to a county flood study, a nearby wetland serves as the subdivision's primary detention storage and flood control.
Residents in unincorporated DuPage County with persistent minor flooding can apply to the county's Cost-Share Drainage Assistance Program, which according to county program materials offers 50% cost-sharing up to $5,000 per project. The county's Stormwater Management page lists program details and contact information.
