Cicero Town President Larry Dominick announced the start of a $96 million flood relief program, with the first wave of funds covering installation and maintenance of valves designed to prevent flood waters from entering homes. A ribbon cutting for the opening of the Cicero Basement Flood Prevention Program office was held this past Monday at the Cicero Community Center. The first phase of the program will see check valves installed at residents’ homes, while also covering the first year of maintenance. Check valves allow water to leave your home to the sewer system, but a flap prevents water from coming into the home if sewers are overflowing. Installation usually costs homeowners thousands of dollars. Residents who paid for one after the 2023 flooding can apply for reimbursement through this program. President Dominick has dedicated town funds, plus $21 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, for environmental investments. Funds were delivered earlier this year and the program will be managed by ICF, a Washington D.C.-based disaster recovery firm. Their office will be set up in Room 103 of the Cicero Community Center, where residents can schedule appointments to receive funding. A full list of requirements and documents required to qualify can be found at www.thetownofcicero.com/flood-prevention/