UTICA – The Village of North Utica is declaring a state of emergency due to rising waters on the Illinois River. The current forecast for the Illinois River at the Starved Rock Lock and Dam shows that the river is rising over to 465 ft during the early morning hours of Friday, two feet below the all time record. Mayor David Stewart says at that time, the village may issue an involuntary evacuation. If this occurs, residents will be updated via the village’s code red system text alerts. Stewart says he is leaving it up to residents and business owners if they would like to begin evacuating. Ameren will be on standby to pull meters if need be.
Village engineer Kevin Heitz says Clarks Run Creek is receding and rain projections are down for the next 24 hours so he feels confident that there won’t be flooding in the creek. Heitz says the river is still a concern.
Record high flooding in 2013 was at 467.8 ft and 467.3 ft in 2008. If waters reach projections this would be the third largest flood the Village of North Utica has experienced.
The village board also passed an ordinance for authorization of reimbursements from available state and federal funds allowed by law.
