Submitted By
Bill McKenna, Village Engineer
Reviewed By
Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager / Interim Director of Development Customer Services
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Green Infrastructure Grant Application for Permeable Parking Lanes and Rain Gardens as Part of the Oak Park Avenue Streetscape Project
End
Overview
Overview
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) announced a call for Green Infrastructure Grant applications for projects to construct green infrastructure that reduce stormwater runoff. Staff recommends submitting an application to cover 75% of the costs associated with green infrastructure being proposed with the future Oak Park Avenue Streetscape project generally for permeable parking lanes and rain gardens. End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Background
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) recently announced a call for Green Infrastructure Grant applications for projects to construct green infrastructure that reduce stormwater runoff. Applications are due October 18th. The Engineering Division of the Public Works Department, along with the Village’s consultants, Terra Engineering and Design Workshop, are currently working with the Oak Park Avenue Streetscape Steering Committee to develop the concepts for the future Oak Park Avenue Streetscape Project. The current concepts include opportunities for green infrastructure to manage and reduce stormwater by using permeable pavers in the parking lanes on Oak Park Avenue and installing rain gardens at select locations. Staff recommends submitting a grant application to cover 75% of the costs associated with these green infrastructure improvements being considered.
The Village’s consultant, Terra Engineering, is still developing cost estimates for the grant application. Costs are anticipated to be around $420,000 total for the permeable parking lanes and rain gardens, with the IEPA funding 75% of the costs for about $315,000 and the Village responsible for 25% of the total costs for about $105,000. Construction is anticipated for 2025 and future year’s budgets will include the necessary costs for this work, pending approval by the Village Board and award of a grant by IEPA.
Fiscal Impact
The IEPA grant program will fund up to 75% of the costs associated with the green infrastructure. The Village would be responsible for the 25% local match amount. The Village’s consultant, Terra Engineering, is still developing cost estimates for the grant application. Costs are anticipated to be around $420,000 total for the permeable parking lanes and rain gardens, with the IEPA funding 75% of the costs for about $315,000 and the Village responsible for 25% of the total costs for about $105,000. Construction is anticipated for 2025 and future year’s budgets will include the necessary costs for this work, pending approval by the Village Board and award of a grant by IEPA.
DEI Impact
Given the challenges the Oak Park community has faced regarding flooding, initiatives like these are vital in addressing those needs. As well as being aligned with Oak Park’s Climate Ready plan. This will also support in lessening the cost burden for impacted community members.
Alternatives
The Village Board could decline the opportunity to submit a grant application for this project.
Previous Board Action
N/A.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
Should the Village of Oak Park be awarded an IEPA grant for this project, future year’s budgets will need to include funds for the Village’s share of construction costs.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
This grant opportunity involves the State of Illinois working with municipalities to help fund best practice stormwater management projects.