Cook County Announces Nearly $16 Million to Improve Climate Resiliency in Suburban Cook County Communities

Cook County Announces Nearly $16 Million to Improve Climate Resiliency in Suburban Cook County Communities

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Cook County Announces Nearly $16 Million to Improve Climate Resiliency in Suburban Cook County Communities (Cook County, IL) — Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Board of Commissioners  announced nearly $16 million in funding for the Climate Resiliency Planning in Communities Program, an initiative led by the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES), to improve climate resiliency in five suburban Cook County communities over the next four years.

“Climate change will impact everyone, but can cause particularly destructive damage in historically underserved communities,” said Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar.  “I hear our resident’s concerns everyday – we must address flooding, we must protect our district’s natural beauty, we must make sure homes and businesses are protected from extreme climate events.  These grants will allow for local municipalities to create and enact climate resiliency plans that are tailored to their communities’ needs and avoid the personal and economic losses that major climate events can cause.”

The County is requesting that interested communities complete an application for participation between February 1 and March 8, 2023. The opportunity is open to municipalities located in suburban Cook County that do not have an existing Climate Resiliency Plan (or similar) updated within the past six years and require the technical assistance, funding or staff resources to create one. Communities located in environmental justice areas will be prioritized. These are areas that have been subject to cumulative environmental, health and social impacts of injustice, making them more vulnerable to climate threats.

“Resiliency solutions are out there. But the up-front time and resources to implement such investments can be a barrier, especially for some of our smaller communities,” said Deborah Stone, Chief Sustainability Officer and Director of the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability. “Through this program, we have the opportunity to provide technical assistance and financial resources to ensure residents in these selected communities are prepared for and able to thrive in a changing climate. Supporting nature-based solutions will also improve access to green spaces for residents, while cleaning the air and reducing flooding at the same time.”

The first phase of the program includes a community-driven planning and prioritization process where communities will set goals and identify projects to bolster resiliency. Planning consultants will use community input to develop individualized and detailed Climate Resiliency Plans. In the second phase, funds will be granted to implement portions of the plans for a variety of possible projects such as green infrastructure improvements, stormwater management and renewable energy installations.

The County is providing funding for the Climate Resiliency for Communities Program through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The County allocated over $100 million in ARPA funding to support a clean environment for all and to

Interested parties may apply to participate in the program by visiting www.cookcountyil.gov/climateresiliency

Cook County Announces Nearly $16 Million to Improve Climate Resiliency in Suburban Cook County Communities

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