Harvey flood project draws questions over rising costs, delays and
contractor
[October 10, 2026]
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
(The Center Square) – A long-delayed flood-control project in Harvey is
drawing questions about rising costs, construction delays and how the
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago evaluates
contractors – issues that could matter to taxpayers who help fund the
agency through property taxes.
The Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin project began in 2018 and is
intended to reduce flooding by adding storm sewers and a detention
basin, which temporarily holds excess stormwater during heavy rain.
But major construction has yet to begin. MWRD’s current project
information calls for the main construction contract to be awarded in
early 2028, with construction taking about 18 months.
That means a project that began planning in 2018 could take roughly 11
years to complete.
Jill Shestokas, one of three Republican candidates running for three
open MWRD commissioner seats, said the timeline and rising costs warrant
greater scrutiny.
“Ultimately, people need to know, we're talking about just barely two
miles worth of sewers and a water retention basin,” Shestokas said.
“Now, at the beginning of when they started this project to when they're
now estimating it could be completed is 11 years.”
MWRD oversees wastewater treatment and stormwater management for much of
Cook County. Its nine commissioners approve the agency’s budget,
contracts and priorities. The agency’s expenses are funded in part
through property taxes.
According to a campaign news release, the estimated construction cost
for the Harvey project increased from about $9.85 million in 2023 to
about $13 million, a roughly 32% increase.
The district also increased its property-acquisition legal services
agreement from $400,000 to $894,969, according to the release.
Shestokas, who previously worked as MWRD’s public affairs director, said
taxpayers should be able to easily see why project costs change and how
their money is being spent.
“Taxpayers mostly don't even have a clue this is on their property
bills,” Shestokas said. “And most people this particular season have
experienced really severe amounts of flooding.”
The candidates also questioned MWRD’s Sept. 3 award of a contract worth
up to $1.1 million to KLF Enterprises for demolition work associated
with the project. The contract covers demolition of 16 homes and four
garages, asbestos removal and restoration of the properties.
The campaign cited 36 alleged OSHA safety and health violations against
KLF in 2024 involving asbestos, worker notification and protection,
training, medical surveillance and exposure to asbestos, silica and
lead.
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Flooding in a downtown area, July 16, 2026. Photo: Courtesy of Ben
Taylor / Used with Permission
A 2024 state lawsuit also alleged KLF and other companies involved
in a demolition project failed to properly inspect for asbestos and
improperly handled asbestos-containing materials, resulting in
asbestos being released into the air. Those allegations were made in
litigation and are not, by themselves, findings of liability.
MWRD’s public award memorandum identifies KLF as the “lowest
responsible bidder” and discusses its price, labor agreement and
participation goals. The campaign says the document does not show
whether the district reviewed the OSHA citations or lawsuit before
awarding the contract.
“We cannot get the records for what they knew and when or how much
they investigated,” Shestokas said. “So, we have information, you
know, we're seeking via FOIA, but we have not heard back on that.”
The campaign also says the number of structures expected to benefit
from the project has changed over time. MWRD’s current project
information identifies 209 structures expected to benefit from the
project within the study area during a 100-year storm.
Shestokas said the public should have an easier way to track major
projects, including costs, schedules and changes.
The Center Square reached out to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation
District of Greater Chicago for comment on the project’s timeline,
cost increases and the district’s review of KLF Enterprises but did
not immediately receive a response.
“If I can't find it and my slate mates can't find it, how do you
expect someone who, you know, they've been living their life,
raising their children and then all of a sudden they're thrust into
this type of situation, and they can't get answers?” she said.
For Harvey residents, the issue is not simply the cost of a
government project. The project is intended to provide flood
protection, while construction delays mean residents continue
waiting for the planned infrastructure.
Shestokas said greater transparency would be a priority if elected.
“We're going to fix it because if we can stay ahead of where these
projects are, it's many, many, many, many projects,” she said.
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