The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has placed the Northfield Township Road District's (NTRD) Northbrook West/Citation Lake Stormwater Improvements Phase II project in the highest-priority tier of its 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program, positioning the project for potential construction as early as 2027.

According to MWRD, the project was designated as a Group 1 priority based on its readiness and potential to reduce flooding. Over the coming months, MWRD will work with NTRD to verify design progress, permitting, right-of-way acquisition and local funding commitments before beginning negotiations for an intergovernmental agreement.

Phase II will build on the project's first phase, which is currently under construction and expected to reach substantial completion in August 2026. The next phase includes additional stormwater detention, conveyance improvements and water quality measures designed to reduce flood risks to homes and roadways throughout the Northbrook West/Citation Lake corridor.

MWRD's Stormwater Partnership Program provides up to $4 million in reimbursement for eligible construction costs, while local governments contribute at least a 10% match and remain responsible for project design, construction management and long-term maintenance. The district prioritizes projects based on factors including documented flooding severity, the number of structures protected, cost-effectiveness, design readiness and community need.

The Northbrook West/Citation Lake project is one of more than 280 stormwater management projects that MWRD has completed or advanced across Cook County to improve drainage infrastructure and reduce flood risk.