MWRD President Kari K. Steele showcased the MWRD’s commitment to sustainable water management practices during her participation in an international water policy delegation held in Copenhagen, Denmark from November 4 through November 9.

President Steele stood alongside distinguished Danish water leaders as a member of their first U.S. water delegation representing a diverse array of government bodies, associations, and utilities on a global scale. The gathering was financed by the European Union and hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and Denmark’s State of Green.

The international visit served as a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices focusing on key concerns now and in the future such as climate change, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and environmental administration.

President Steele delivered a compelling presentation outlining MWRD’s progressive water initiatives and participated in roundtable discussions covering crucial topics such as nutrient run off, biosolids, PFAS (Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), microplastics, cyber security in the water sector and energy efficiency. There was also a robust daily itinerary. Participants visited three water treatment plants and environmental facilities in four cities throughout Denmark. Read more information.

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL MESSAGE 2023

In 2023, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD’s) key goals aimed to provide excellence in stormwater management, wastewater treatment, climate change accountability, and fiscal responsibility. We successfully advanced those goals.

We completed the Addison Creek Reservoir to provide flood relief to Bellwood, Northlake, Stone Park, Melrose Park, Westchester and Broadview. We cut the ribbon on the $7.7-million Crestwood Flood Control Project. We joined the Village of Niles to inaugurate the Golf Mill Park stormwater project to capture more stormwater, mitigate flooding and improve area water quality. Dozens of other stormwater management projects on the north, west and south sides of Cook County were also launched.

Additionally, by working with our federal and local partners we leveraged an additional $36 million for projects to alleviate flooding in Cook County.

Meanwhile, we advanced groundbreaking research to address water pollutants, securing an official United States patent with our partners at Iowa State University Research Foundation for technology to remove dissolved solids from wastewater as part of a unique algae recovery system that aims to reduce carbon emissions and recover nutrients to improve water quality. As the world braces for the unpredictability of climate change, our Board of Commissioners adopted a climate action plan that guides us in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to thwart the crippling effects of global warming, flooding, and pollution that threaten the region’s water resources.

Our commitment to fiscal responsible stewardship and professional management were also recognized this year. Fitch Ratings again affirmed the MWRD’s AAA credit rating. Moody’s Investor Services upgraded the MWRD’s credit rating to Aa1. And the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) honored the MWRD with platinum awards including Excellence in Management.

This year we set out to provide excellence in stormwater management, wastewater treatment, climate change accountability, and fiscal responsibility. And we did. Here is a deeper look at outstanding achievements from the year that was 2023. Read the entire message.

President Kari K. Steele

INVESTING IN WOMEN, WATER AND COMMUNITY; MWRD MAKES INAUGURAL PUBLIC FUNDS INVESTMENT IN FIRST WOMEN’S BANK

An investment made by the MWRD is maximizing public dollars toward the protection of critical water infrastructure and the environment while also uplifting a financial institution uniquely positioned to offer women more business opportunities.

The MWRD Treasury Section executed its first certificate of deposit (CD) investment with Chicago-based First Women’s Bank (FWB). The $1 million CD, at a 4.50-percent rate, is the first government account for FWB, the only women-founded, women-owned and women-led commercial bank in the country.

Founded in 2021, FWB is a “first-of-its-kind, purpose driven bank with a mission to grow the economy and advance the role of women within it,” according to its mission statement. The bank recently completed its certifications with regulatory agencies to now allow governmental agencies to complete CD transactions with the bank.

In late 2019, the MWRD updated its investment policy to consider environmental, social, governance/leadership (ESG), human capital, and business model/innovation factors in addition to financial factors when evaluating investments that bolster the MWRD’s finances for construction, operating funds, and debt service funds. Human capital factors, such as diversity and inclusion, are considered when making these investments. Read more information.

MWRD TO HELP FUND PROSPECT HEIGHTS FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT

A flood control project long discussed in Prospect Heights along Willow Road is one step closer to reality thanks to funding from the MWRD and the identification of a compensatory storage location.

An agreement approved by the MWRD Board of Commissioners calls for MWRD funding to support a flood control project that will come to the rescue of Prospect Heights residents who for years have not been able to enter or exit their homes on rainy days.

The agreement between the MWRD, City of Prospect Heights and Cook County will allow the MWRD to fund $1.8 million toward an intergovernmental collaboration to curb flooding near Willow Road at McDonald Creek Tributary A in Prospect Heights.

Pictured: Flooding along Willow Road in May 2020.

The proposed project involves raising three area roadways (Willow Road, Hillcrest Drive, and Owen Court) and installing new culverts and compensatory storage areas. In recent years during heavy rains, about 60 homes in the area were completely inaccessible. The Prospect Heights Flood Control Project has a total cost estimate of $3.12 million and includes design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Read more information.

BROOKFIELD STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENTS APPROVED BY MWRD

The MWRD Board of Commissioners has approved an agreement with the Village of Brookfield to implement structural upgrades to the Burlington Avenue Storm Sewer. The agreement marks a step forward in flood prevention efforts within Brookfield. The Burlington Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements Project, which includes design, construction, operation, and maintenance, has a total cost estimated at $1.1 million. Now that the Board has approved the IGA, the project is poised to move forward with subsequent crucial steps, marking a significant stride towards its realization. Read more information.

ACTING DIVERSITY ADMINISTRATOR RICHARD L. MARTINEZ, JR. RECEIVES AWARD

Congratulations to MWRD Acting Diversity Administrator Richard L. Martinez, Jr., who was recently honored with the Champion of Diversity and Economic Inclusion Award from the COMPASS Institute of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for his leadership and commitment to policies, practices and performance for the MWRD and Chicago area business community. COMPASS Institute’s vision is to advance the implementation of DEI best practices and elevate performance standards. The COMPASS Institute annually recognizes professionals whose work efforts are making a difference. The awards were presented at the COMPASS Institute for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2023 Conference held in Baltimore, Maryland.

MWRD FEATURED ON CBS 2 CHICAGO

“Metropolitan Water Reclamation District plans more projects to help curb flooding”

“The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is now on the hunt for places to install projects that could help with flooding. As CBS 2’s Marybel González reported, one effort is already working in northwest suburban Harwood Heights.