Cicero Rolls Out $96 Million Flood Prevention Program for Homeowners
Nearly three years after historic flooding, the Town of Cicero is installing free check valves in qualifying basements through a federally funded program expected to help about 3,000 homes.
CICERO, Ill. - Nearly three years after historic flooding devastated parts of the town, Cicero is rolling out a $96 million flood prevention program that will install free check valves in the basements of qualifying homeowners.
The first homeowner to benefit from the program says he still worries about flooding every time heavy rain moves in.
Thomas Huerta had lived in his home for less than a week when the July 2023 flood hit. More than eight inches of rain fell, overwhelming sewers and flooding neighborhoods across the area. The federal government ruled the event a disaster.
"It just came so fast. This whole area... pretty drenched. That block in particular was literally underwater," Huerta said.
At the time, Huerta said he recovered what he could, including cameras and clothes, as water entered his basement. He said the flooding has become a yearly occurrence and that he ultimately ditched plans of doing anything with the basement.
Town leaders say installing a check valve for neighbors will make an immediate impact on the town's flooding issues. Huerta is the first Cicero homeowner to receive the new flood-prevention tool through the town's multi-million-dollar program, which is paid entirely with federal dollars.
"When our sewer system is overtaxed and water is trying to back up into the person's basement, this flap is held closed to prevent the water from getting into the basement," said Tom Schin, director of housing for the Town of Cicero.
Cicero officials say the valve will add a layer of protection for homeowners during heavy rain to prevent flooding.
"Our sewer system is old and we take water from Chicago, Oak Park and Berwyn, so that floods our system," said Cicero President Larry Dominick.
The installation, which can normally cost thousands of dollars, is free for homeowners who qualify, and includes one year of maintenance. The program is budgeted to help about 3,000 homes, with about 1,000 applications submitted so far. The town says the grant will also be used for other infrastructure work.
How to qualify
To qualify for the free installation, homeowners must live in the home, have owned it during the 2023 flooding, and meet income requirements. Those who do not qualify for the full grant may still be eligible for up to $2,000 toward their own valve.
The application and the list of required documentation to apply can be obtained from the town's housing office.