New IL Law Helps Prevent Flooding By 'Going Green'

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation to help Illinois communities prevent flooding by "going green." Quinn signed the bill yesterday in the Chicago suburb of Orland Park, one of the communities hit hard by flooding this spring. State law requires municipalities to ensure storm water and other run-off is handled properly. To do that, many communities have relied on storm water management systems that are outdated. The new legislation gives municipalities other options that increase the natural absorption of storm water. They include green roofs, rain gardens and porous pavement. The bill was sponsored by state Senator Tom Cullerton, a Democrat from Villa Park, and state Representative Mike Fortner, a Republican from West Chicago. Cullerton says municipalities now "have the green light to go green."