New Report Details Urban Flooding Problems In Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Urban flooding in Illinois is most common in older parts of towns and has been made worse by urbanization and changes in climate, according to a new state report.

The report, which was released Tuesday and prepared by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in collaboration with other state agencies, details the extent, cost, prevalence and policies related to urban flooding. It also identifies resources and technology that can help lessen its impact.

Between 2007 and 2014, urban flooding in Illinois caused more than $2.3 billion in damages, with at least $1.2 billion stemming from basement flooding and sewer backups, the report said.

It also said that much of the urban flooding during that time period happened in areas with older storm water drainage systems. Urbanization and climate trends also increased stormwater runoff, the report said.

The report included 33 recommendations, including improving data collection and guiding policies to reduce flood damage, developing a model state stormwater ordinance for local communities to use and coordinating federal and state grant programs for flood mitigation and projects intended to alleviate problems in flood-prone areas.

The Department of Natural Resources is working with other state agencies on some of the recommendations.

Flood