Northeast Illinois City Receives $1.5M Flood Grant

The northeastern Illinois city of Kankakee is set to receive federal funds to begin flood protection and prevention efforts in its area.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin announced Tuesday that Kankakee will get $1.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The will use the money to purchase and demolish 20 homes that are regularly flooded by the Kankakee River. The land will become green space, which will allow flooding to occur without damage to properties. Officials say the project will reduce future flood insurance claims.

Durbin says prevention measures are important as floods occur with greater frequency. He also says the project will lower costs to local governments for emergency rescue, infrastructure repair and debris removal.

Kankakee is located about 60 miles south of Chicago.