The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is requesting public review of the Project Implementation Report with Integrated Environmental Assessment titled, Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program Andalusia Island Complex Ecosystem Restoration Project, Pool 16, Upper Mississippi River Miles 467.5 – 471.0, Rock Island County, Illinois dated, February 2025. The District is interested in review and comments regarding the project analysis and outcomes for this project to fulfill the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.
The draft PIR/EA is available for public review from Feb. 7-March 9, 2025. Comments may be submitted via email to: CEMVR_Planning@usace.army.mil, or by writing to the address below with the title of the Project. To request a hard copy, call 309-794-5319, write to the address below, or use the above email.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District
Attn: Hoffmann (PD)
Clock Tower Building
P.O. Box 2004
Rock Island, IL 61204-2004
PROJECT INFORMATION
The Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) is a long-term, dual-purpose program that aims to increase the capacity and reliability of the inland navigation system while restoring, protecting, and enhancing the environment of the Upper Mississippi River.
The Andalusia Island Complex Ecosystem Restoration Project fits within the larger NESP goal by aiming to maintain, enhance, and restore quality habitat for native and desirable plant, animal, and fish species for a resilient and sustainable ecosystem. The proposed Project would (1) increase deep-water overwintering fish habitat and (2) increase topographic diversity and habitat quality for desirable floodplain tree and plant species.
Measures and features proposed for the Project would include:
- excavating channels and restoring overwintering habitat in backwater areas
- construct topographic diversity features and establish floodplain forest vegetation communities
- reduce sediment and flow within the Project area to protect newly created habitat
The purpose of this PIR/EA is to document existing conditions, evaluate potential impacts associated with each alternative, and assists in planning and decision making for the Andalusia Island Complex Ecosystem Restoration Project.