SKOKIE CONSOLIDATED DRAINAGE DISTRICT
Projects
Most of the district’s capital projects involve streambank stabilization using bioengineering best management practices (BMPs). Stabilization projects are undertaken in areas of the Skokie River and Middle Fork North Branch channels that are eroded and have deteriorated sufficiently to require capital improvements to maintain channel conveyance.
Funding for Capital Improvements
SCDD’s annual assessment revenue is not sufficient to cover all of the cost for large capital improvement projects, so the district has historically accumulated assessment revenue over a period of years and has matched that revenue with funds from grants and district partners to undertake major capital improvement projects.
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) administers several grant programs that have provided funds for SCDD projects. The drainage district has benefitted from Clean Water Act Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction funding from the IL EPA Section 319 program, stormwater system improvement grants from the IL Department of Community and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and smaller Watershed Management Board (WMB) grants from SMC to fund capital projects. Grants totaling more than $3.2 million have been secured for capital projects in the SCDD and an additional $2 million in grant funding is committed for the Highland Park Skokie River Stabilization project.
Current Projects
Pump and Electrical Rehabilitation Atkinson Road Reservoir
Atkinson Road reservoir has four pumps original to the construction of the reservoir that have been operating for more than thirty years. One of the pumps failed in 2023 and has recently been replaced. In addition, the control system for pump operation is also being upgraded to current technological standards. The remaining three pumps are still operational but have degraded over time. SCDD will continue to replace all the pumps in priority order based on operational condition in future years.
Atkinson Road Reservoir
Severe channel erosion will be repaired, and banks stabilized at Danny Cunniff Park
Highland Park Skokie River Stabilization – East Subdistrict
Skokie River in Highland Park between Danny Cunniff Park and Old Elm Golf Club is identified as a critical area of streambank erosion and channel degradation specified as a high priority area for channel stabilization by the North Branch Chicago River Watershed-Based Plan.
Site surveys and engineering plans were developed in 2023-2024 by V3 Companies to stabilize approximately 2,200 linear feet of the river channel using bioengineering practices. Streambed riffles will also be installed to improve water quality. Project permitting is underway and matching grant funds are being secured to construct this project in 2025-2026.
