Illinois River Basin Restoration (sec 519,WRDA 2000)

Rock Island District
Published Aug. 30, 2024
Illinois River Basin

Illinois River Basin

Location

Entire Illinois River Basin including tributaries.

Description

Section 519 of WRDA 2000 authorized: (1) Comprehensive Plan to develop and implement a restoration program, long-term resource monitoring program and evaluate new technologies and innovative approaches and (2) construction of Critical Restoration Projects (CRP). Section 519 and the related Illinois River Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study, Sec 216, resulted in a joint Comprehensive Plan for the restoration of the basin. These efforts relate to the State's Illinois Rivers 2020 initiative, a proposed 20-year, Federal-state effort to restore and enhance the 30,000 square-mile Illinois River Basin. Anticipated benefits include reducing sediment delivered to the Illinois River mainstream and backwaters, reducing streambank erosion and improving critical habitats for fish, waterfowl and other aquatic organisms. This project involves three districts (Rock Island, St. Louis, and Chicago).

Background

Construction of the following projects were completed: Peoria Upper Island CRP was completed in October of 2013 and Waubonsie Creek CRP was completed in November 2011. Construction of the Blackberry Creek Fish Passage CRP was completed by the State of Illinois in 2012. The Comprehensive Plan was approved by HQUSACE in May 2007. In 2008 the Comprehensive Plan was reviewed by the ASA for Civil Works and OMB. Following their recommendation, the Comprehensive Plan and cover letters were sent to Congress for informational purposes.

Status
Two construction projects (i.e., Pekin Lake North and Pekin Lake South Backwater) are on hold pending federal and sponsor funding. The Tenmile Creek CRP feasibility study is on hold pending sponsor funds and the Fox River Dams CRP feasibility study was resumed in FY22 with the receipt of funds.

Additional Information

Authority

GI - General Investigations
Section 519 of WRDA 2000; as amended by Section 5071, WRDA 2007

Summarized Project Costs

Estimated Federal Cost

$11,245,000

Estimated Non-Federal Cost

$6,055,000

Estimated Total Project Cost

$17,300,000

Allocations Prior to FY 2024

$8,442,503

FY 2024 Allocation

$ 0

FY 2025 President’s Budget

$ 0

FY 2025 Total Capability

$ 0

 

Major Work Item Current Year

FY 2024:  Continued the Fox River feasibility study, completed public review of the Tentatively Selected Plan.  Updated feasibility report to address public and agency comments received during the public review.  Coordinated with the Non-Federal Sponsor and municipalities where dams are located.

Major Work Item Next Fiscal Year

FY 2025:  Using on-hand funds, conduct second round of public review.  Update report based on public and agency feedback.  Continue coordination with the Non-Federal Sponsor and municipalities where dams are located seeking letters of intent from dam owners to confirm interest in proceeding with design.  Complete the final feasibility report.