Corps Finalizes Chicago Area Waterways Study Report
The Chicago Engineer District announced April 29 that it has completed a Federal Interest Determination (FID) report for the Chicago Area Waterways System Restoration and Recreation Study.
The study was authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 and builds upon the 2023 Chicago Waterways Restoration Framework Plan.
The report was signed by Chicago District Commander Col. Kenneth P. Rockwell. The district says it marks a key milestone, advancing a comprehensive plan developed in partnership with five non-federal interests: the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Forest Preserve District of Cook County and the Chicago Park District.
The district said that for decades the city’s waterways have been impacted by channel modification and pollution. While investments in improving water quality have led to the return of several different species of fish and wildlife, the district said a unified, comprehensive plan is needed to restore aquatic habitat while also increasing public access and recreation along river corridors.
The FID report identified six key “opportunity zones” for further study, including sites on the north and south branches of the Chicago River, the Calumet and Little Calumet rivers and Lake Calumet.
The district said that, pending federal and non-federal funding, the Corps will collaborate with partners to advance these sites through follow-on phased feasibility studies helping to transform the system into a healthier resource for the community.
For more information, visit https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/Display/Article/4396283/chicago-area-waterways-system-restoration-and-recreation-study-cawsrr/.
Featured photo caption: A Chicago water taxi makes its way along the south branch of the Chicago River with some of the city’s iconic skyline in the background. The Chicago Engineer District has completed a Federal Interest Determination (FID) report for the Chicago Area Waterways System Restoration and Recreation Study. (Photo by Eric Pancer)
