The newly created Kankakee River Basin and Yellow River Basin recently received $2.3 million in state funding for maintenance and improvements, according to State Representatives Doug Gutwein and Jim Pressel.
The funding comes from an appropriation that was made in the state’s biennial budget.
Gutwein said addressing the river drainage problems will be a big project, but the funding from the state will be instrumental in getting the ball rolling.
He noted that the flooding issues have been a source of frustration for people in this area for many years and added that homeowners and farmers have expressed their concerns, and they’ve been heard.
Gutwein reports that the funding will be utilized to remove fallen trees along the rivers, address sand erosion in the basins, maintain river gauges, which measure water depth, and make other necessary improvements.
Gutwein mentioned that improvements to the basins will take years of work and an estimated $120 million, but the $2.3 million from the state is a great starting point to better address current flooding and drainage issues.
He said he has no doubt that the commission will capitalize on the momentum provided through this funding and he looks forward to seeing the progress in years to come.
