Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
Durbin Secures Funding to Restart and Complete the Feasibility Study for the Environmental Restoration Project
CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $250,000 in new federal funding he secured to complete the long-delayed feasibility study for the environmental restoration of the Fox River in Elgin. Durbin secured the funds in the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus appropriations bill to restart and complete the feasibility study for the environmental restoration project, with the collaboration of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Fox River Restoration Project, which will provide vital habitat restoration to the historically polluted Fox River, is one of 16 Illinois projects in the Army Corps’ Section 519 Illinois River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Program.
“Over the past 100 years, the Fox River has struggled with pollution issues stemming from years of wastewater discharge and untreated runoff,” said Durbin. “Despite significant improvement in water quality over the past 20 years, there is still much work to be done to restore the habitat of the Fox River. This crucial funding will provide much needed restoration.”
“I was grateful for the chance to join Senator Durbin and other local leaders today in support the Fox River restoration effort, and I know the funding the Senator secured towards the Corps of Engineers’ study will be an essential step forward for the project,” said Krishnamoorthi. “The efforts of the Fox River Study Group, as well as the public-private partnerships which it’s developed with leaders across our region, is a model for improving our environment for generations to come, but even more fundamentally, making a difference.”
“I appreciate Senator Durbin’s efforts to ensure federal funding is available to allow the U.S. Corps of Engineers to partner with us on this important environmental project,” said Colleen Callahan, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “This project is a perfect example of the great things that can happen as a result of strong partnerships and what I like to refer to as the three Cs – communication, collaboration and connection,” said Colleen Callahan, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“We are looking forward to partnering with the State of Illinois and area stakeholders in completing the Fox River 519 ecosystem restoration feasibility study,” said Colonel Paul Culberson, Chicago District Commander and District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
-30-