Graue Mill residents, hit by floods in 2010 and 2013, celebrate $4.5 million projection completion
"We are thrilled to death and we don't want to see if it works," said
Area firefighters and
Frank and
"One time, we lost both cars,"
The other time, when they once again were traveling in
When the rain stopped, the damage that remained reminded him of scenes of destruction he had seen on
But all the Graue Mill residents came together and said something had to be done, no matter the cost, Romanelli remembers.
The association hired
The damage was more extensive after storms in
The cost of the project rose to between
Elected officials from all levels of government attended the ceremony in the Graue Mill clubhouse.
"This is the kumbaya moment," said
Many officials, including former state Rep.
The residents were a model for an intelligent, diligent approach that involves all stakeholders, Cronin said.
The project includes berms that are 1-foot higher than the flood levels in 2013, pumps and 13 flood gates. The gates are like metal flaps that lie flat in the road, with a pan underground. When enough rain collects in the pan, the flap automatically raises and forms a barrier about 3 feet high.
ComEd also relocated the boxes that hold its switching gear to higher elevations, so they will not flood and cut off electricity. The complex was without electricity for days after the
Despite the huge investment and effort in the multiyear project, Graue Mill residents said they hope never to need the flood prevention measures.
"We're not doing any rain dances," Romanelli said.
Flood gates and brick walls were installed on the driveways of each of these homes which had to be gutted and rebuilt after the 2013 flood.
Flood gates and brick walls were installed on the driveways of each of these homes which had to be gutted and rebuilt after the 2013 flood. (
Kimberly Fornek /
Diagram of flood control measures installed at
Diagram of flood control measures installed at
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