On Nov 4., the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) celebrated the completion of the McCook Reservoir Stage 1. The project, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is part of the MWRD’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). Notably in attendance at the completion ceremony was Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Mike Quigley; and representing SWS, Managing Editor Lauren Baltas and Associate Editor Amy McIntosh.
McCook Reservoir Stage I can hold 3.5 billion gallons of storm water and is estimated to provide $114 million per year in flood reduction benefits to 3.1 million people in Chicago and 36 other communities.
Upon completion of Stage II, the reservoir will have a total of 10 billion gal of storage capacity and deliver an estimated total of $143 million per year in flood reduction benefits. The reservoir has been nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Midwest” measuring 3,000-ft long and 310-ft deep.
SWS Managing Editor Lauren Baltas and SWS Associate Editor Amy McIntosh at the celebration
