Illinois state agencies are supporting communities affected by flooding caused by heavy rainfall overnight in the Chicago area and stand ready to provide additional assistance as needed to help local officials address public safety concerns.

Regional staff from IEMA are working closely with local emergency managers in Chicago, Cook County, and other flood-impacted counties to determine if they need any state resources to help with public safety issues. So far, no state assistance has been requested.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has been working with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) to help communities finalize their inflow/infiltration ordinance which will address flooding problems in the future. In November 2013, IEPA awarded $15 million to MWRD to continue work on completing a deep tunnel under their Tunnel and Reservoir Plan and will be adding an additional $10 million in the next couple of months for the deep tunnel. They will also be planning for priority stormwater projects for these communities. IEPA will continue to work with MWRD as the situation continues.

People whose homes have been affected by this flash flooding event should contact their local emergency management agency for guidance. Emergency management contact numbers for the major jurisdictions are:

Cook County: 312.603.8180

DuPage County: 630.682.7925

Chicago: 312.746.9266 or 312.744.5000 (3-1-1)