The devastation from the August 11 tornadoes is still impacting the South Suburbs financially. This month, Cook County put a number on its response, and we’ve included two other grant deadlines coming up fast for the same communities. Here is what we are watching, and what to do now.

Storm recovery comes first

Update, October 13: On October 8, the federal government denied Illinois’ request for a major disaster declaration covering the August storms. For now, county and local funds are the main source of recovery money, so do not budget on federal assistance.

Cook County: $8 million for storm recovery

On October 6, Cook County pledged $8 million to help south suburban communities recover from the August 11 storms, which produced three EF-1 tornadoes and damage in more than 22 municipalities. The county issued its disaster proclamation on August 14.

How municipalities will apply has not been announced. The closest precedent is the 2024 storm program, run through the county’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund, which reimbursed suburban municipalities for costs like debris removal, emergency overtime and equipment, and road repairs. That program required documentation tying each expense to the storm.

Do this now: pull every August 11 cost into one file (overtime, contractor and debris hauling invoices, equipment rentals, repairs) with dates and locations. If the county application follows the 2024 model, documentation will decide what gets reimbursed.

Governor Pritzker requested the federal declaration on September 15 for eight counties, including Cook and Will. With that request denied, the county’s pledge and local reserves are where recovery dollars will come from in the near term.

Two more deadlines this quarter

Q4 2026 at a glance

DeadlineProgramWhat it funds
Nov. 18ILETSB Law Enforcement Camera GrantBody cameras and their data storage, in-car cameras, officer training
Dec. 15MWRD Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Partnership Programs (pre-applications)Construction of flood control and green infrastructure in MWRD’s Cook County boundary

ILETSB Law Enforcement Camera Grant (due November 18)

This is State funding for body cameras and their data storage, in-car cameras, and officer training. Applications are due through Euna (AmpliFund) by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18. See the ILETSB grant page and the FY27 NOFO.

  • In-car camera data storage is not covered; body camera storage is.
  • Your agency must be in good standing in the GATA Grantee Portal (SAM.gov registration and UEI).
  • Agencies must be current on camera reporting and ILETSB training mandates.
  • Reimbursement is the default. Advance payment requires a supplemental application and ILETSB approval.

MWRD Stormwater Partnership Programs (pre-applications due December 15)

Construction funding for flood control and green infrastructure on public property inside MWRD’s Cook County boundary. Pre-applications for the Stormwater Partnership Program and the Green Infrastructure Partnership Program are due December 15. Final applications are due March 5, 2027.

  • Stormwater projects need a 10% local match. MWRD caps its share at $4 million per project.
  • Only construction is reimbursed. Design, engineering, land, and operations and maintenance are not.
  • Projects need completed preliminary design and cannot already be out to bid.
  • Work required by MWRD’s Watershed Management Ordinance is not eligible.
  • You own and maintain the project for its service life, and MWRD’s labor agreement, prevailing wage, and MBE/WBE/VBE goals apply.
Grant money changes your audit. New awards bring reporting, procurement, and Single Audit considerations. Talk with us before you accept an award so your books are ready for it.

Questions about storm costs or grant readiness?

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