en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has designated the Northfield Township Road District's (NTRD) "Northbrook West/Tidal Lake Stormwater Improvement Phase II" project as the highest priority tier in its 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program, with construction potentially beginning as early as 2027.

According to MWRD, the project was classified as a Tier 1 priority due to its readiness and potential to reduce flooding. In the coming months, MWRD will collaborate with NTRD to verify design progress, permitting, right-of-way acquisition, and local funding commitments before initiating intergovernmental agreement negotiations.

Phase II will build upon Phase I, which is currently under construction and expected to be substantially completed by August 2026. The next phase will include additional stormwater detention, drainage improvements, and water quality measures aimed at reducing flood risks for homes and roads along the entire Northbrook West/Tidal Lake corridor. MWRD's Stormwater Partnership Program provides up to $4 million in reimbursement for eligible construction costs, with local governments required to contribute at least 10% in matching funds and responsible for project design, construction management, and long-term maintenance. The district prioritizes projects based on factors such as flood severity, number of protected structures, cost-effectiveness, design readiness, and community needs.

The Northbrook West/Tidal Lake project is one of over 280 stormwater management projects completed or advanced by MWRD in Cook County, aimed at improving drainage infrastructure and reducing flood risks.