West Cook News

Officials and residents of Cicero, Illinois, expressed their gratitude to President Larry Dominick for securing a $96 million federal grant to address rainwater flood concerns. The grant was presented at the Town of Cicero's board meeting on January 14, 2025.

Cicero was one of the few communities, along with five major cities including Chicago, St. Petersburg, Little Rock, Detroit, and Houston, to receive this federal award from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD released over $12 billion to assist various states and municipalities in addressing flood issues.

Tom Tomschin, Executive Director of Cicero’s Department of Housing, credited President Dominick's efforts for securing the grant. "President Dominick immediately dispatched town employees to begin canvassing areas," said Tomschin during the public meeting. He also highlighted that pressure was placed on county and state officials to declare Cicero a disaster area after record-setting rainfall in July 2023.

The funding will support an action plan aimed at assisting approximately 7,000 residents who reported flood damage last year. The award is notable as no other suburban community in Illinois received a similar direct federal grant.

Cicero Collector Fran Reitz emphasized the significance of this financial aid: "This is absolutely amazing for Cicero to receive this money." Assessor Emilio “Emo” Cundari added that the funds would greatly help prepare for future flooding disasters.

Trustee Bob Porod remarked on how this reflects positive changes in Cicero over recent years: "The new Cicero actually is the new improved Cicero because we always want to make it better than it is."

Trustee Blanca Vargas noted that this substantial funding would enhance infrastructure and prevent future flooding: "The $96 million means a lot for our town."