CALUMET CITY MAYOR THADDEUS JONES IMPLEMENTS MASSIVE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS MULTI-DECADE WATER AND FLOODING ISSUES
CALUMET CITY MAYOR THADDEUS JONES IMPLEMENTS MASSIVE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS MULTI-DECADE WATER AND FLOODING ISSUES
CITY-WIDE SEWER SYSTEM EVALUATION STUDY TO ALLEVIATE STREET AND BASEMENT FLOODING IN MAJOR RAIN EVENTS
THE JONES ADMINISTRATION SECURES MILLIONS IN FUNDING TO PROVIDE SHORT- AND LONG-TERM RELIEF TO CALUMET CITY RESIDENTS
(Calumet City, Il,) Thaddeus Jones- Mayor of Calumet City, Illinois) is announcing a massive infrastructure improvement program designed to address and bring relief to Calumet City residents who have been challenged for decades by the current deteriorating sewer system.
“Upon being elected two years ago, I pledged to our residents to immediately lobby for funding to establish an improved infrastructure system that would address flooding issues that have challenged us as residents for decades. But I am thrilled to announced that we have now secured the monies and resources necessary to begin the road to swift recovery.” says Mayor Jones.
Like many other communities, Calumet City has been plagued by an age-old underground water system. Experts estimate have estimated as much as $10 Billion dollars would be required to fully replace the current water system that services Calumet City and other birder communities. For decades, the residents of the 5th, 6th, and 7th wards of Calumet City have experienced consistent flooding given that the respective areas were within the floodplain zone.
Mayor Jones has recently launched the citywide Sewer System Evaluation Study (SSES). The SSES will significantly decrease street and basement flooding during major rainstorms. The 10-million-dollar project will identify poorly performing sewers and allow workers to begin rehabbing and replacing problem sewers.
Mayor Jones is also announcing that Calumet City has received the highest rating from the CRS Water Agency. This is a system that allows Calumet City residents to save on their flood insurance. Residents are expected to receive an estimated $216.00 in lower flood insurance rates.
Mayor Jones has also implemented a $20 Million dollar program for Calumet City homeowners that will replace water service pipes that contain lead. The funding was secured through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure bill. The program covers all the cost per resident in the elimination of lead within drinking water.
The Mayoral administration has secured an additional 10-million-dollar grant from the Army Corps of Engineers that will rebuild the levee along the Little Calumet River within the southern end of Calumet City. The rebuilt levee will help alleviate much of the flooding that occurs along the river and prevent residential flooding as well.
Currently Calumet City has executed a program in which Mayor Jones launched that will pave 50 plus miles of alleys. The program utilizes “green infrastructure” material and designs. The paved alleys will allow rainwater to drain into the ground rather than the traditional runoff into residential yards and the stressed sewers. This program is done in partnership with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.
Longtime Calumet City resident Bobbie Jean Carpenter has experienced 22 years of constant flooding from moderate to severe rain.
“I am grateful to Mayor Jones for the swift response to these decades of problems. He should be credited for securing funds and executing this plan in just two years. It took 22 years to get to a healthy resolve, but I am thankful to the administration for their hard work.” says Ms. Carpenter.
Rochelle Henderson, a single mother of three children, is also encouraged by the quick response by the mayor. “Mayor Jones came to my home during his campaign and pledged to address the flooding issues of Calumet City within his first term. I must say that the funding that he has secured is music to our ears given the enormous problems caused by flooding.
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