The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners has approved an agreement with the Village of Brookfield to implement structural upgrades to the Burlington Avenue Storm Sewer. The agreement marks a step forward in flood prevention efforts within Brookfield. 

“This partnership with the Village of Brookfield is a testament to our unwavering commitment and community support throughout Cook County,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “We are dedicated to investing in solutions that safeguard communities from stormwater damage and enhance the resilience of infrastructure.”

The Burlington Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements Project, which includes design, construction, operation, and maintenance, has a total cost estimated at $1.1 million. Now that the Board has approved the IGA, the project is poised to move forward with subsequent crucial steps, marking a significant stride towards its realization.

"We are immensely grateful for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s collaboration on the Burlington Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements Project,” said Brookfield President Michael J. Garvey. “This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to safeguarding our community and addressing the critical need for resilient infrastructure.”

The Brookfield storm sewer improvements are part of a larger roadway improvement project with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for which the village received federal Surface Transportation Program funding. 

The Burlington Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements Project is one of 10 projects that the MWRD selected to support through its Stormwater Partnership Program (SPP), following a call for projects in late 2022. The program funds projects that address flooding through a variety of traditional engineering solutions including localized detention, upsizing critical storm sewers and culverts, pumping stations, establishing drainage ways, as well as green infrastructure. This infrastructure can reduce flooding and prevent damage to residential homes and businesses. The MWRD is currently accepting applications for the Stormwater Partnership Program.  Learn more and apply.

The need for the Burlington Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements Project was underscored by a severe storm that swept in on June 26, 2021, and brought more than three inches of rain to Brookfield and neighboring suburbs in just over an hour. The deluge, following closely on the heels of an inch of rainfall the previous day, overwhelmed local sewer systems, leading to widespread flooding of streets, backyards and basements.

“The Burlington Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements project will help better prepare the community of Brookfield for future weather events,” said MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown. “By enhancing the capacity and reliability of the village’s storm sewer system, residents and their properties will be better protected from the impacts of severe weather.”

The MWRD encourages residents to sign up for Overflow Action Alerts to receive text messages year round. When an Overflow Action Alert is announced, residents will be reminded to reduce their use of water before, during and after a storm to help prevent excess water from entering local sewers.