Congressman Mike Quigley Receives Federal Commitment To Expedite MWRD's McCook Reservoir

The Chicago area received a major boost in preventing area flooding and eliminating pollution from local waterways thanks to the critical efforts of U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) who successfully included an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016. This amendment requires the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to expedite the completion of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD's) McCook Reservoir Stage 2, the final component of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP).

"Finishing the construction of the McCook Reservoir is vital to defending the homes, businesses, and livelihoods of millions of Chicagoans from the devastating impacts of urban flooding," said Rep. Quigley. "My amendment to the Water Resources Development Act will guarantee that the Army Corps of Engineers continue to carry out funding for this critical project though completion. As the only Illinois member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to be a stalwart supporter of the McCook Reservoir project and other critical infrastructure projects that protect families from destructive floods and strengthens the local economy."

McCook Reservoir Stage 1 will be completed in 2017 and provide 3.5 billion gallons of storage. Stage 2 will be completed in 2029 and provide 6.5 billion gallons of storage. The reservoir will prevent overflows that cause flooding and water pollution, as well as prevent untreated sewage from entering Lake Michigan. The reservoir is also expected to provide more than $114M per year in flood damage reduction benefits to 5 million people in Chicago and 36 suburbs.

Congressman Quigley has worked with Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk on numerous efforts to address the flooding issue, and they, along with the entire Illinois congressional delegation, have provided critical support of both the McCook and the Thornton Composite Reservoir, which was completed last year. In addition, the 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill reauthorized the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and provided $9M in funding to help complete McCook Reservoir. Complementing Rep. Quigley's efforts, Sens. Durbin and Kirk included similar language in the Senate version of WRDA.

"We thank Congressman Quigley for his tremendous efforts in passing the amendment to WRDA to help secure the completion of McCook Reservoir Stage 2," said MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos. "This amendment provides a powerful foundation for the requested $10.9M we are seeking for the McCook Reservoir in the Army Corps' fiscal year 2017 work plan. We look forward to working closely with our tremendous House and Senate members in conference on WRDA to ensure this language is included in the final measure to help drive funding for continuing construction of McCook Reservoir."

Rep. Quigley's remarks during debate of his amendment can be found at https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/speeches/proposed-amendment-hr-5303. The amendment passed by voice vote.

About The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Of Greater Chicago
Established in 1889, the MWRD is an award-winning, special purpose government agency responsible for wastewater treatment and stormwater management in Cook County, Illinois. For more information,visit www.mwrd.org.