Submitted By
Bill McKenna, Village Engineer
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Green Infrastructure Program Partnership Funding Opportunity Application for the Public Works Center Rain Garden Project
End
Overview
Overview
This Resolution authorizes staff to submit an application to install a rain garden at the Public Works Center to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) for their Green Infrastructure Program which is a cost sharing grant program.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Resolution.
Fiscal Impact
The FY2019 budget is proposed to include a $40,000 transfer from the Capital Improvement Fund to the Building Improvement Fund - Public Works Center account no. 3012-43790-101-540673 for the Public Works Center Rain Garden for this project. Should the Village receive a MWRD grant for this project the Village’s cost for the project will be reduced.
The MWRD cost sharing program does not have a predefined local match cost sharing percentage requirement or maximum or minimum levels of funding. Final cost sharing amounts will be determined after MWRD selects their grant recipients.
Background
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) encourages and supports implementing green infrastructure (GI). GI is a range of engineered installations that store, infiltrate, and/or evaporate stormwater by mimicking the natural water cycle. The MWRD also recognizes the vital role of local government in addressing flooding concerns through the innovative use of GI. Rain gardens consist of native shrubs, perennials, and flowers that are accustomed to the fluctuating water levels. This rain garden is designed to temporarily hold and soak in rain water runoff from adjacent downspouts from the public works center. Rain gardens can remove up to 90% of chemicals and up to 80% of sediments from rainwater runoff. Compared to traditional grass, rain gardens allow for 30% more water to soak into the ground. A positive byproduct is that the plants provide food and habitat for birds, butterflies and other pollinators. Rain gardens are generally dry when it is not raining. As they drain within 24-28 hours after a rain event there is not a huge risk for breeding of mosquitoes.
Grant applications are due on July 31, 2018 with an anticipated award notice in the fall of 2018 or spring of 2019.
Alternatives
The Village 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 a MWRD grant, the Village will need to enter into an agreement for this grant.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
The MWRD Green Infrastructure Program involves MWRD working with the Village of Oak Park to provide funding for green infrastructure projects.
Performance Management (MAP) Alignment
Click here to enter text.