La Grange Plans $1.7M Ash Tree Removal Due to Emerald Ash Borer

As the La Grange Board discussed upcoming capital projects after their Monday evening, Public Works Director Ryan Gillingham said the Village will likely remove and replace 2,000 ash trees over a 12-year period due to an of the Emerald Ash Borer. The cost of the project is estimated at $1.7 million. He said the village has removed 16 trees already and has identified another 50 that appear to be infected.

Other upcoming capital projects include:

• Replacing water meters throughout the village for a cost of $1.8 million. Gillingham said the meters have not been replaced in 200 years and are beginning to show signs of under reporting water use.
• Repairs to the village water pump station for $500,000.
• Poplar Place sewer repairs include $25,000 for engineering and $450,000 for construction in 2013-2014.
• $200,000 budgeted for engineering expenses for Maple Avenue Relief Sewer fro 2011-2012.
• $2.1 million for construction of Maple Avenue Relief Sewer (MARS) in 2013.
• Gillingham said the village has earmarked $100,000 to pursue a project that would slow traffic along 47th Street near Waiola Avenue. (Check back with La Grange Patch for full story.)