More Spending For Dady Slough Project On Horizon, Schneider Hopes

WAUKEGAN, IL — Congressman Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) visited Dady Slough Lake Friday to call for Senate action on flood storage improvements and wetland enhancements for the area.

While the infrastructure bill including funding for the enhancement project passed the House, Schneider said the Senate has an important decision to make in maintaining the area and preventing more flooding that has displaced hundreds of families.

"Our nation's infrastructure has fallen behind after failing to invest in it for generations. The consequences of Senate action right now will impact our communities in Illinois," said Schneider. "The Senate now has the power to prevent displacement of over 800 local families due to severe flooding from Dady Slough Lake."

The flood storage project is Lake County's most ambitious mitigation project, according to a county spokesman, since the area floods nearly every season.

"Urbanization of the watershed and the increasing rainfall trends have caused significant physical, economic and emotional damage to the residents and businesses in Park City and Waukegan," said Kurt Woolford, executive director of the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.

Senate Democrats passed their $3.5 trillion budget resolution on Tuesday, which means committees can begin drafting proposals for the spending bill, which likely won't pass in it's entirety until fall.

Woolford said the company plans to use "nature-based solutions" to alleviate damages from flooding. Some of these solutions include building an outdoor classroom for a nearby prep school for students to learn about native plants.

"Flooding from heavy or prolonged rain events impacts transportation in and around the area, inundating homes, businesses, communication centers, and creates a financial hardship for economically disadvantaged residents," Park City Mayor Steve Pannell said in a statement.