Progress is slow but is being made on the Greater Rochelle floodplain-elevation study which began about
2 1/2 years ago.
The Rochelle Stormwater Advisory Committee received an update report on the study last night. City Engineer Sam Tesreau said that a few changes need to be made before it is sent back to the Illinois Departrment of Natural Resources. This will take about 3 weeks.
Tesreau said that once the IDNR approves the study, the information is sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He expects the proposal to be finalized in 2014.
The city plans to contact the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District about lowering Lake Sule for storm water storage. The dam for the area would have to be restructured for this to happen.
Tesreau mentioned that the removal of the Treatment Plant bridge has been completed other than some water main work in the area. Upgrades are expected later this summer for the bridge on School Avenue at a cost of around $475,000. The project is in the design stage right now.
