Plainfield, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today hosted a planning session with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and local officials to discuss issues related to flooding along the DuPage River.  As highlighted during a recent public meeting hosted by Plainfield Township Supervisor John F. Argoudelis, rising groundwater levels and incidents of flooding along the DuPage River have area residents increasingly concerned about water-damaged homes, flooded basements, and diminished economic development.  
 
“This is more than just an isolated, local issue,” said Biggert.  “Every dam, spillway, and river-side construction can have an effect on water levels up and down the river.  Today’s meeting with state and federal leaders highlighted the scope of the problem and potential solutions to ensure that Will and DuPage residents can rest assured that the next heavy rain won’t bring a flooded basement with it.” 
 
The meeting, which took place at the at the Plainfield Township Offices, also included representatives of Will and DuPage Counties, the office of Illinois House GOP Leader Tom Cross (R-84th), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, as well as Will County Board Members Lee Goodson and Brian Smith.
 
“This is the number one issue of concern to the residents of Plainfield Township,” said Argoudelis.  “As soon as we brought it to the attention of Congresswoman Biggert, she stepped in to help and we appreciate her leadership greatly."
 
At issue were increasing complaints of flooding incidents, reports on dam modifications, potential dredging, developments along the river, and wastewater management. 
 
“The Corps of Engineers looks forward to working with Plainfield Township, affected communities, the counties and the State of Illinois to evaluate flood risk in the DuPage River watershed,” said Susanne Davis, Planning Branch Chief of the USACE - Chicago District.  “We appreciate the efforts of Representative Biggert in bringing key players together for a discussion.”
 
Plans for next steps were discussed in detail, including a comprehensive study involving the Army Corps to assess causes of the flooding and recommend the most cost-effective and ecologically-sound solutions.
 
“The meeting was very useful and proved the value of bringing technical expertise together with elected official leadership,” said Howard Hamilton, Director of the Will County Stormwater Management Planning Committee.  “The Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and DuPage and Will County Stormwater departments will be working together in the coming weeks to develop a unified plan to request funding for a watershed study for the DuPage River in an effort to address our citizens’ concerns.”
 
Following the meeting, officials from the federal, state, and local level planned to continue their collaboration on the issue and work together on near- and long-term plans for water management along the DuPage River.
 
“DuPage County's Stormwater Management Division is actively engaged in a number of issues affecting residents living along the main branches and tributaries of the DuPage River, including flood control,” said Tony Charlton, Director, Stormwater Management Division of DuPage County.  “Our Division is committed to working with the Rep. Biggert, Plainfield Township, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and our other partners to mitigate the effects of flooding and protect the life, health and property of DuPage County residents as well as our neighbors in downstream communities.”
 
“As good stewards of the environment, our goal is to protect this natural treasure, as well as the property values, homes, basements, and economic opportunities of area residents who live near its shores,” said Biggert.

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