A new Illinois law has expanded the stormwater management tools available to cities and municipalities in the state, which have been battered by flooding since April. Sustainable practices like rain gardens, bioswales and porous pavement should alleviate the damage stemming from the stormwater systems in place, which are overloaded. Porous pavers have already been added to the Orland Park, Ill., police station's parking lot (pictured), earning the site a LEED Gold certification.

The state of Illinois has approved legislation that gives cities and villages more tools to prevent flooding caused by outdated stormwater management systems. Governor Pat Quinn has declared 35 counties disaster areas since flooding began in mid-April.

"The historic April flood reminded us of Mother Nature's strength and that we must work to protect our homeowners from future storms," Gov. Quinn said. "This law helps governments prepare for heavy rain before it happens and prevent the possibility of great damage and loss to our communities."

Senate Bill 1869, signed by Gov. Quinn on August 13th, expands existing law by including green infrastructure among the measures a municipality can employ to help prevent flooding. Green stormwater management mechanisms mentioned in the legislation include green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales, tree boxes, porous pavement, native plantings, constructed wetlands and more.

According to the law, cities can fund the construction of new stormwater management tools via general taxation or a "special assessment on the property" that benefits from construction. Municipalities can also apply for funding for such projects through the state's clean water initiative, the governor said. The full text of SB 1869, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2014, is available here.