Trump Administration Awards $21.2M to the Village of Winnetka, Illinois to Reduce Local Flooding

Trump Administration Awards $21.2M to the Village of Winnetka, Illinois to Reduce Local Flooding

CHICAGO - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a $21.2 million grant to the village of Winnetka, Illinois. This award will fund a stormwater and drainage project to lessen the impact of floods for over 560 homeowners and school properties in the Tree Streets neighborhood. It also eases repetitive flooding in the surrounding streets, providing crucial access for emergency services during major rain events.

This award reflects the Trump Administration's commitment to ensuring federal disaster funding supports practical, locally driven projects that protect lives, safeguard property and responsibly use taxpayer dollars. Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, FEMA is empowering state and local officials to strengthen resilience and reduce the cost of future disasters.

"Winnetka has identified a way to address repeated flooding in the Tree Streets neighborhood. This federal funding is critical to strengthening community resilience, protecting homes and community buildings from future flood events, and improving access for emergency vehicles during heavy rain.," said Fredric Kaehler, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5.

Increasing the size of the village's existing storm sewer system through this project improves flood protection by collecting and conveying excess stormwater to storage away from properties historically impacted by significant rain events. The upgrades will reduce damages to property and decrease the amount of standing water in streets that hampers movement of emergency and service vehicles.

The Flood Mitigation Assistance program provides grants to state, local, tribal and territorial governments for activities that reduce or eliminate the risks associated with flooding. Eligible activities may include property acquisitions, structure elevations and flood planning for communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. The village of Winnetka's non-federal cost share is more than $9 million. To learn more about FMA or FEMA's other Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs, visit www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation. ###

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