Racine Sun

The City of Racine will give up to $5,000 to 100 homeowners this year to install a new sump pump that will help keep their basements dry and prevent the sanitary sewer system from becoming overwhelmed during storms.

Residents can apply for the grants starting Tuesday, September 3rd either through the city website or in person at Racine City Hall. The grant money will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 100 property owners who are approved.

Applications can be filed here: https://app.polimorphic.com/organizations/racine-wi/blueprints/sump-pump-program-questionnair/apply

“We’re helping people protect their homes while also protecting the environment,” Mayor Cory Mason said. “Nobody wants rain to flood their basement, and we don’t want that water in city sewers where it will be needlessly treated and could overload the system. These sump pumps will help keep basements dry, and Lake Michigan clean.”

Sump pumps installed under this program will replace foundation drains in older homes that send stormwater directly into sanitary sewers. The pumps instead will channel water away from home foundations and onto the lawn.

Rainstorms send more water flowing into the sewers either through those basement drains or cracked underground pipes. Racine’s Wastewater Utility is working to reduce that flow during storms. That effort will avoid wasting money treating uncontaminated rainwater and lower the chances of basement backups or release of partially treated, disinfected water into Lake Michigan during heavy storms.

As part of that broader effort, the utility set a long-term goal of installing 2,000 sump pumps in Racine by the end of 2031.

This is the second year the city has awarded grants for sump pumps. Eligible homes must currently have a foundation drain that connects to the city sewer and have no major code violations or outstanding taxes. After the City of Racine approves a home as eligible to participate, homeowners will select a licensed contractor to install a sump pump. The city will pay the contractor up to $5,000 after the sump pump is installed and passes inspection. If a project costs more than $5,000, the homeowner will be responsible for the remaining balance.

Residents can learn more about the program and file online applications for sump pump grants here: https://sump-pump-cori.hub.arcgis.com/. Questions about the program can be emailed to clerks@cityofracine.org.