SPRINGFIELD – The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is offering a cost-sharing option to local governments to prevent the sort of future flooding and drainage problems that often menace homeowners' basements, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced today.

Local government organizations, including municipalities, townships, county agencies, park districts and school districts, are encouraged to apply for assistance through MWRD's Stormwater Partnership Program. The amount of assistance MWRD provides will vary depending on the project.

“These funds could help protect thousands of homes and families in our communities from devastating floods,” said Murphy. “The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important that our local governments take advantage of this opportunity to prepare for the future.”

Eligible projects must address structure flooding and include the installation of sanitary water infrastructure, stormwater storage, pump stations and drainage ways. Governments may also use the funds to expand critical storm sewers and acquire flood-prone properties to convert into permanent open spaces.

“I urge local governments to go to MWRD with their project ideas as soon as possible,” said Murphy. “This program could save homes and lives.”

Applications can be submitted online. The deadline to apply is Feb. 14, 2020.

SPRINGFIELD – A third person has been hit by a car while crossing Touhy Avenue in Des Plaines, prompting State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) and State Representative Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines) to push for new pedestrian safety measures on the busy state route.

An unidentified man was hit and injured early this morning as he exited a bus on the south side of Touhy Avenue near Wolf Road, according to Des Plaines police. The man was transported to a local hospital and is now in stable condition.

“This man is lucky to have come away with his life,” said Murphy. “Clearly there is a problem with this location on Touhy Avenue, and it is past time for the government to do something about it. How many more have to be hurt or killed before action is taken?”

SPRINGFIELD – Six local school districts will receive more than $28,000 in grants through the Illinois Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant program, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced today.

The grants, which are issued by the Illinois State Library, are meant to help public schools purchase more library books and update technology for students.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to fall in love with reading, and for many kids, the school library is where that starts,” said Murphy. “I am thrilled to see so many local schools taking advantage of this program.”

Schools receiving school library grants include:
•    Des Plaines Community Consolidated School District 62
•    Community Consolidated School District 59
•    Keeneyville Elementary School District 20
•    Community Consolidated School District 64
•    Maine Township High School District 207
•    Schaumburg Community Consolidated School District 54