Storm debris cleanup agreements with New Chicago
Summary
After this year's storms, the county paid contractors to pull trees and debris out of Schoon Ditch and Turkey Creek laterals — about $300,000 so far, with a $750,000 cap set by the council. A new state drone-assessment program could reimburse most of future work at only ~6% local cost, but if crews clear trees themselves, state money is off the table.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $300,000 spent so far against a $750,000 council-allocated cap, with federal and state reimbursement hoped for.
Residents along Munster, Merrillville and other affected ditches who face flooding risk from blocked waterways.
Local contractors who were stopped mid-work and may lose out if the state's sole contractor handles remaining debris.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Commissioners - Oct 21, 2026
Two agreements with the Town of New Chicago cover debris removal and disaster grant management from the August 11 storm, plus a $750,000 emergency debris monitoring contract.
Lake County Drainage Advisory Committee - Oct 21, 2026
After this year's storms, the county paid contractors to pull trees and debris out of Schoon Ditch and Turkey Creek laterals — about $300,000 so far, with a $750,000 cap set by the council. A new state drone-assessment program could reimburse most of future work at only ~6% local cost, but if crews clear trees themselves, state money is off the table.
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