Northbrook West Flood Control Project Earns Top MWRD Priority

NORTHBROOK, IL — A proposed second phase of stormwater improvements in the Northbrook West and Citation Lake area has been placed in the highest-priority tier of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's 2026 funding cycle.

The Northfield Township Road District said MWRD classified the project in Group 1 of its Stormwater Partnership Program, positioning it for further review and possible negotiations over an intergovernmental agreement.

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The designation does not guarantee funding. MWRD staff will review the project’s engineering progress, permits, right-of-way needs and local matching funds before deciding whether to advance it.

Construction could begin as early as 2027 if funding is available and the necessary agreements and approvals are completed.

"Northbrook West/Citation Lake has been a generational drainage challenge for the residents and roadways in that corridor, and this prioritization moves us a significant step closer to a permanent regional solution," Highway Commissioner Michael Korman said in a statement.

Phase I Under Construction

The first phase of the Northbrook West and Citation Lake stormwater project is already under construction and is scheduled for substantial completion in August.

Road District officials said that work addresses the watershed’s most urgent hydraulic problems.

Phase II would add detention, drainage conveyance and water-quality improvements intended to reduce flooding risks for homes and roads throughout the Northbrook West corridor.

"Earning a Group 1 ranking from MWRD validates the engineering work our team and ERA Consultants put into Phase II," Korman said. "It positions NTRD to deliver the next phase while limiting the cost burden on local property taxpayers and seniors on fixed incomes."

How The Funding Program Works

MWRD's Stormwater Partnership Program helps local governments pay for public stormwater infrastructure projects across Cook County.

Eligible work can include storm-sewer and culvert expansion, detention areas, pumping improvements, drainage construction and green infrastructure.

Under the program's standard terms, MWRD may reimburse up to $4 million for an individual project over a two-year construction period. The local government must provide at least 10 percent of eligible construction costs.

The local agency remains responsible for design, bidding, construction oversight and long-term maintenance. Any partnership must receive final approval from the MWRD Board of Commissioners.

MWRD evaluates applications based on factors including the frequency and severity of flooding, the number of structures protected, cost-effectiveness, project readiness and community need.

The agency has more than 280 stormwater projects completed or in design or construction across Cook County, according to the Road District.

Next Steps

ERA Consultants is leading the Phase II design work, with Mike Maslowski serving as consulting project engineer.

The Road District plans to continue engineering, permitting and right-of-way work while MWRD conducts its readiness review. Its goal is to have the project prepared for formal agreement negotiations when MWRD begins that process.

The Northfield Township Road District maintains roads and associated drainage infrastructure in unincorporated portions of Northfield Township. More information is available at ntroad.com.