"We must be good stewards of the environment. By seeking efficient, sustainable ways to harness our natural resources, we can create green jobs. By investing in alternative energy and solving the climate crisis, we can end our dependence on foreign oil and ensure a better quality of life for ourselves and our children."

- Senator Roland W. Burris

 

Senator Burris is a strong advocate of sustainable environmental policy. He favors moving the United States toward a new green energy paradigm. We can do this by encouraging the development of biofuels, investing in carbon capture and sequestration technology, and moving away from fossil fuels and other major pollutants.

If we adapt the way we use natural resources and usher in a green economy, we can create jobs here in America and help businesses take the lead in a new era of global enterprise. Senator Burris believes that climate change is real, and that it will pose a significant threat to our future unless we take action. He supports legislation designed to curb the emission of harmful greenhouse gases and protect the environment, but recognizes the need to protect American families and small businesses from potential increases in cost.

Senator Burris supports President Obama’s approach to solving the climate crisis, and looks forward to the opportunity to act on related legislation. He believes that America has the capacity to take global leadership on this issue, and will work with the White House as well as his colleagues on Capitol Hill to shape responsible environmental policy.

 

Requests for Water Resources Development Act 2010 Reauthorization 

Priority: 1 
Name:  Lower Ohio River, Illinois and Kentucky (Olmsted Lock and Dam)
Type:  Language
Cost:  Total limited to $1,991,000,000
Purpose and Need: The proposed replacement structure will eliminate Ohio River Locks & Dams 52 & 53.  Locks & Dams 52 & 53 were completed in 1929 and the temporary 1,200’ long lock chambers were added in 1969 at Locks & Dam 52 and 1979 at Locks & Dam 53.  The antiquated design and age of these structures make it impossible to meet current traffic demands without significant delays.  The existing structures have deteriorated structurally and are overstressed during normal operating conditions.  The temporary locks at Locks & Dam 52 & 53 have significantly passed their design life.

In 2008, 89.7 million tons (Locks & Dam 52), valued at $20 billion, traversed this portion of the Ohio River.  25% of all coal shipped on the inland waterways transits Locks & Dam 52, destined for many of the 50 power plants located on the Ohio River System or for many of the 17 power plants located in the eight states on the Upper or Lower Mississippi River.  Traffic at the Olmsted project is projected to range between 113 million and 130 million tons by 2020.

The challenge is to put Olmsted on an Efficient Funding schedule.  Olmsted has already slipped its completion date by 6 years resulting in $2.7 Billion in transportation benefits foregone. 

The Government continues running increased risks that L&D; 52 & 53 will remain in working condition.  These two lock are over 80 years old and in poor condition.  The new dam needs to be in place as soon as possible before one of these dams fail.

Efficient funding from FY11 thru FY15 is approximately $140M per year.

 

Priority: 2 
Name:  Extension/Modification of Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Dispersal Barriers Project 
Type:  Language
Cost:  N/A
Purpose and Need: Since the 1970s, Asian carp—specifically Bighead carp and Silver carp—have steadily made their way northward on the Mississippi, becoming the most abundant species in some areas of the River. Due to their large size, ravenous appetites, and rapid rate of reproduction, these fish pose a significant risk to the Great Lakes ecosystem.  On November 17, 2009, eDNA evidence suggested that Asian carp were close to the electric barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.  Shortly thereafter, on December 3, 2009, a dead Bighead carp was found inside the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, just above the Lockport Lock and Dam.

Priority: 3 
Name: Modification of Mississippi River MR&T; Levees authorization to provide the rights-of-way and borrow areas to reconstruct the section of mainline levee, near Cairo, IL
Type:  Language
Cost:  Limited to $1,000,000
Purpose and Need: The Mississippi River Levees project is a feature of the Mississippi River and Tributaries project authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1928, as amended.

In 1996, the Project Design Flood flowline was recalculated due to the influence of the new and/or improved private levees along the Upper Mississippi River.  When the PDF flowline was raised, the grade of the levee (Cairo Levee) on the left descending bank of the Upper Mississippi River was found to be deficient.  Since the local sponsor (Cairo Drainage District) was financially unable to provide the necessary rights-of-way or borrow material, the levee was temporarily raised using gravel on the crown of the levee.  The levee raise was completed in 2002. 

Though the levee road is only intended for use in operating and maintaining the levee, local farmers use the levee road to transport their crops to market.  The Cairo levee could also be used as an escape route for Cairo residents during flood emergencies.  The completed levee grade raise has resulted in a levee crown width that is narrower than authorized, and unsafe for two-way traffic.  Locals have expressed concern about maintaining the levee.  The levee slopes are steep, not well-compacted and are difficult to mow.

Section 5070 of WRDA 2007 included language that would allow the Secretary to participate in the reconstruction of the Cairo Mainline Levee if the reconstruction is not required as a result of improper operation and maintenance of the project by the non-Federal interest.  The language does not release the sponsor’s requirement to provide rights-of-way for the borrow pits and additional levee foot print.  Per Corps implementation guidance, funds have to be specifically authorized by Congress to initiate work under Section 5070 authority.  In the event funds are appropriated for work under this authority, eligible projects will be evaluated under the two-phase feasibility study process, which would require a cost-sharing sponsor for the study.

Priority: 4 
Name:  Modification to authorize reconstruction of Brookport Levee regardless of improper    operation and maintenance by the non-Federal  interest
Type:  Language
Cost:  $2,500,000
Purpose and Need: Brookport was removed from the Corps Rehabilitation and Inspection Program in 2003, and was de-accredited by FEMA in 2007.  Total project cost ($2,000,000) does not include approximately $2,500,000 in deferred maintenance work that would have to be performed at local expense in conjunction with the Federal project.  This deferred maintenance principally involves removal of trees and vegetation from levees.

Priority: 5 
Name:  Modification of Section 5070 of WRDA 2007, for reconstruction, to further define    eligible projects in Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Jackson, Randolph and Rand counties
Type:  Language
Cost:  Total Federal cost limited to $500,000,000
Purpose and Need: These systems are beyond their 50-year design life and are in need of major rehabilitation and/or reconstruction to meet design level of protection.

Priority: 6
Name:  Modifications to Flood Control, Pumping Plants, and other Drainage Facilities, Cairo, IL,   Project Authorizations to rehabilitate and repair four (4) pumping stations
Type:  Language
Cost:  Limited to $20,000,000 total
Purpose and Need: The Goose Pond Pumping Station was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1928 (45 Stat. 534) as amended by Section 213 of the Flood Control Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-483).  The Goose Pond Pump Station, located along the Ohio River levee north of Cairo between Highway 51 and the Ohio River, was completed in 1975 and was turned over to the Cairo Drainage District for operation and maintenance. 

The Cottonwood Slough Pumping Station was authorized for construction by Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of 1948, as amended.  The Cottonwood Slough pump station, located along the Ohio River levee between Mound City and Cairo at about mile 975 on the Ohio River, was completed 1964 and was turned over to the Cairo Drainage District for operation and maintenance. 

The 10th Street and 28th Street pumping stations were authorized by Section 213 of the Flood Control Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-483).  The 10th Street and 28th Street pump stations are located within the city limits of Cairo, IL along the Ohio River, were completed in 1979 and turned over to the City of Cairo, IL for operation and maintenance. 

The four pumping stations, integral parts of the flood protection structures built to protect Cairo, IL and vicinity, are in need of major rehabilitation.  The stations have fallen into disrepair and the equipment is outdated. The equipment in the pumping stations is dated and replacement parts are difficult to obtain.  This makes operation of the pumping stations during times of emergency questionable.  No major renovations have been done since the pumping stations were turned over to the City of Cairo, IL, and the Cairo Drainage District for operation and maintenance. 

Priority: 7 
Name:  Illinois River Basin Restoration Program
Type:  Project
Cost: Individual projects limited to $20,000,000, with16 projects currently approved for planning, design, and construction
Purpose and Need: Authorize the Corps to enter into cooperative agreements including transfer of funds with State agencies, universities, local governments, and non-governmental organizations; authorize the Corps to implement Specific Components called for in Section 519(b)(3) of WRDA2000; authorize the Corps to improve partnerships and implementation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service; clarify that a non-Federal interest may include a nonprofit entity with consent of the affected local government.

Priority: 8
Name:  Chicago Waterway System Restoration
Type:  Project
Cost:  Federal cost limited to $500,000 for development and planning and $100,000,000 for    projects and evaluation
Purpose and Need:
 (1) Chicago Waterway System is an internationally significant resource that provides commercial navigation, commerce, and recreation for millions of people within and visiting the City of Chicago and the many municipalities in the basin. 
 (2) Chicago Waterway System was significantly altered by cultural influences including industrialization, channelization, straightening, widening, flow reversal, dredging and the discharge of storm water and treated municipal wastewater.
 (3)Chicago Waterway flow reversal helped reduce continual health problems by directing wastes away from Lake Michigan the primary source of drinking water for metropolitan Chicago. 
 (4) Chicago Waterway System alterations established an inland navigation link between the previously distinct Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins that led to growth and prosperity in the Midwest and beyond.
 (5) Chicago Waterway System alterations and implementation of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) unintentionally allowed the exchange of invasive species between the two basins resulting in significant ecological damage and economic losses in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. 
 (6) Restoration of the Chicago Waterway System to a close approximation of the conditions prior to disturbance is not practical.
 (7) Restoration of the Chicago Waterway System to a less degraded more natural condition can provide a diversity of opportunities, experiences, and benefits for the nation, the region and local municipalities.

Priority: 9 
Name:  Pilot Program on the Middle Mississippi River [Construction General Project -     Mississippi River Between Ohio and Missouri Rivers (Regulating Works), MO and IL].
Type:  Project
Cost:  N/A
Purpose and Need: This pilot program seeks to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat in the Middle Mississippi River as an integral part of the Construction General funded navigation project.  Activities shall include but are not limited to modification of navigation training structures; modification and creation of side channels; modification and creation of islands; studies and analysis necessary to apply adaptive management principles in design of future work; and acquisition from willing sellers of any land associated with a riparian corridor needed to carry out the goals of the pilot program.

This pilot program will dramatically improve the health of the Middle Mississippi River while improving the ability of the project to further establish a safe and dependable navigation channel.  This pilot program will enable the Corps of Engineers to fully implement the Environmental Operating Principles in all future work on this project.

Priority: 10 
Name:  Modification of Section 2028, WRDA 2007, Support of Army Civil Works Program,    subsection (a)(2), Lewis and Clark Community College, Illinois for the Great Rivers    National Research and Education Center
Type:  Language
Cost:  Limited to $5,000,000
Purpose and Need: Provides assistance through contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants for the study of river ecology, developing watershed and river management strategies, and educating students and the public on river issues.

Priority: 11 
Name:  DuPage River Flood Risk Management/Environmental Restoration and Protection/Water    Quality/Recreation Feasibility Study
Type:  Project
Cost:  $100,000
Purpose and Need: The DuPage River on the Western edge of Will County requires an updated flood study.  The DuPage River and its watershed drains roughly 113 square miles.  The reach of the river within Will County extends from the northern boundary of the County all the way south to the Village of Channahon (near the confluence of the DesPlaines River, DuPage River, and the I & M Canal).  The river traverses both agricultural areas as well as urbanized / urbanizing areas with homes, businesses, and public property adjacent to its banks. 

Numerous private property owners in this watershed have complained to Federal, State and Local Officials (Wheatland Township, Plainfield Township, Troy Township, Channahon Township; the Villages of Plainfield, Shorewood, Minooka, and Channahon; the City of Joliet and Will County) that flooding events occur more often, more quickly, and with more severity than in previous years.  Review of available data reveals that river flows have increased since 1982 (the year of the last full study of the DuPage River in Will County) at a rate that outpaces any increase in precipitation. 

As a first step, a General Investigations Study ($100,000) is required to fully identify the needs of this watershed and can be completed within 12 months.

The results of this modeling would provide the ability to have a continuous model of the Upper and Lower DuPage River Watershed.  More accurate Base Flood Elevations and flows would be generated.  This new data may require the Flood Insurance Rate Maps being revised for additional accuracy.  Section 205 funds are an appropriate fund source to perform the General Investigations Study for this flood prone area.

Priority: 12
Name:  Modification of Madison and St. Clair Counties combine sewer system improvement    assistance authorization to raise the Federal project limit from $10,000,000 to     $30,000,000
Type:  Language
Cost:  Federal cost limited to $30,000,000
Purpose and Need: Belleville is upgrading its infrastructure in order to remain in compliance with environmental regulations regarding the overflow of combined sewers.  Construction of Phase 1 of the Belleville project is complete.  Madison County is requesting design assistance for the Glen Carbon project, which involves the design of improvements to the interceptor sewer system for the village of Glen Carbon and areas to be annexed by Maryville.  The new design would be environmentally compliant as well as provide for more effective sewage treatment and the elimination of septic systems.  The Eagle Park Acres sewer project involves the installation of a collector sanitary sewer system.  The 200 low-income households and developed lots existing in the area are currently served by aging and failing individual wastewater treatment systems.  The installation of the sewer system will replace the need for these systems and reduce sewage seepage.  Assistance to other communities covered by the authority is pending receipt of additional funds. 

Priority: 13
Name:  Village of Grayslake Sewer and Water Infrastructure Improvements
Type:  Project
Cost:  $12,500,000
Purpose and Need: Improvement of sewer/water infrastructure by extending existing water mains and sanitary sewerage, and constructing 1.5 million gallon elevated tank and related looping.

In order to facilitate a 641 acre multiple-use project, which includes approximately 3.6 million square feet of light industrial, research & development and office space, 600,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space, and 801 unique residences, the Village of Grayslake needs to provide certain water and sanitary sewer infrastructure improvements, which are contained in the Sewer/Water Infrastructure Improvements Project. 

These water and sanitary sewer infrastructure improvements include the extension of existing water mains and sanitary sewerage to the development site, and the construction of a 1.5 million gallon elevated tank and related looping.

Priority: 14
Name:  Modification of Section 1001 (18) of WRDA 2007 to allow the non-Federal interest to    receive credit for land easements, rights-of-way, and relocations toward the non-Federal    share of project costs, not to exceed 25 percent of total project costs
Type:  Language
Cost:  N/A
Purpose and Need: Section 204 of the Flood Control Act of 1965 (Public Law (PL) 89-298) authorized a project to provide flood damage reduction protection from interior flooding that was modified by Section 137 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 1976 (PL 94-587) by authorizing construction of the Blue Waters Ditch segment independently of the other authorized segments.  House Report 104-782, Appropriations for Energy and Water Development for FY 1997, provided for a reevaluation of the authorized project.  Section 310 of WRDA 2000 (PL 106-541) modified the project authority to include ecosystem restoration as a project purpose. Section 1001(18) of WRDA 2007 (PL 110-114) authorized the ecosystem and recreation project per the Chief’s Report dated December 22, 2004.

The project is located in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois, along the east bank of the Mississippi River between river miles 175 and 195 above the mouth of the Ohio River.  The project area includes approximately 55,000 acres of flood plain that is protected by a levee system along the Mississippi River, the Chain of Rocks Canal, the Prairie du Pont Canal, and the Cahokia Creek Diversion Channel and an additional 51,000 acres of upland area that drain into these bottomlands.  The ecosystem restoration project will restore bottomland forest habitat (1,700 acres); flood plain prairie habitat (1,100 acres); marsh and shrub swamp habitat (840 acres); lake habitat (460 acres); and upland riparian forest (380 acres).  It will also restore 10 miles of flood plain stream and 178 miles of tributary streams.  Flood risk management is incidental to the restoration project with an estimated $1,445,000 in reduced average annual flood damages.  The project would provide both feeding and resting resources for the federally-threatened bald eagle.  The project lies within the Mississippi River Flyway and contributes to the life cycle requirements of more than 50 migratory bird species covered by international treaties and the state-threatened Illinois chorus frog.  The wetland resources to be restored are considered scarce with over 85 percent of the wetlands in Illinois and other Midwestern states lost since the 1780’s, and the decline is continuing.

Priority: 15
Name:  Will County Fiddyment Creek Maintenance Project
Type:  Project
Cost:  $250,000
Purpose and Need: Fiddyment Creek has a sub-watershed area of roughly 5 square miles in Will County, Illinois.  This sub-watershed is part of the larger Des Plaines River Watershed.  The full reach of the creek extends from Cedar Road on the east westerly to the Des Plaines River.  The creek traverses both agricultural areas as well as urbanized / urbanizing areas with a wastewater treatment plant along the creek.   Furthermore, there are many homes adjacent to the creek. 

The main problem identified with the creek is debris accumulation.  As with all creeks, the natural process of decaying vegetation, overgrowth, and fallen trees causes the creek to lose capacity for stormwater.  Fallen trees especially cause problems.  These trees begin to act as dams as other debris catches onto the trees and cannot pass downstream.  Unfortunately, man-made debris also is introduced into the waterway.  All of this in turn causes the creek to slow and eventually artificially raise the water surface elevation.  Any attempt to lessen the chances of preventable flooding for the adjacent homes, roadways, or critical facilities is desirable.

Debris removal and stream bank stabilization through native vegetation establishment are the primary activities involved in the Fiddyment Creek Maintenance Project.  Labor crews will be used on these activities. 

These projects will include debris removal and native vegetation establishment along the stream banks.  Labor crews will remove exotic non-native invasive species including buckthorn and honey suckle and seed the ground with native species to provide better erosion control and help to maintain the integrity of the stream banks and floodplain.  Remaining trees will be pruned/thinned to enhance their survival potential, reducing the number of fallen branches and trees that create the jams.   Section 208, FCA 1954 is an appropriate authority for the snagging and clearing to reduce nuisance flood damages. 

Priority: 16
Name:  Village of Franklin Park Westbrook Drive Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
Type:  Project
Cost:  $1,500,000
Purpose and Need: The purpose of the Westbrook Drive Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements project is to reduce water damage caused by flooding and sewer backups.  This project is an important use of taxpayer funding because upon completion of the necessary wastewater improvements the community will see a significant reduction in annual costs due to damage caused by flooding and sewer back-ups.  These improvements will result in the reduction not only of costs associated with flood damage, but will drastically decrease the chance of flood damage in this area.

Priority: 17
Name:  Shelby County, Illinois Sewer System Improvements
Type:  Project
Cost:  Federal cost limited to $5,000,000
Purpose and Need: Shelby County relies heavily on combined sewer systems, well beyond their design life, and aged and inadequate sewer systems.  Problems created by this compromised infrastructure impact the health, water quality, and economic development potential of the area.  Assistance would be in the form of design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects.  This would include projects for wastewater, treatment and related facilities, water supply and related facilities, and surface water resource protection and development. 

Priority: 18
Name:  Suburban Cook County Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study relating to wetland,    riparian and aquatic habitat restoration and stream bank erosion
Type:  Project
Cost:  $100,000
Purpose and Need: To determine the feasibility of carrying out a project for flood risk management and related purposes including stream bank erosion and the restoration of wetland, riparian and aquatic habitats in South Suburban Cook County.

Priority: 19
Name:  Promontory Point Revetment Feasibility Study
Type:  Project
Cost:  $450,000
Purpose and Need: Funds would be used for a feasibility study to assess the condition of  crumbling limestone revetments on Promontory Point in Hyde Park, and make recommendations for rehabilitation of  this historic site, part of Chicago’s Burnham Park,  as part of the Shoreline Reconstruction Project and a signature feature on Chicago’s prized lakefront.  

Priority: 20
Name:  Albany Park Community Flood Risk Management Feasibility Project
Type:  Project
Cost:  $100,000
Purpose and Need: To determine the feasibility of carrying out a project for flood risk management and related purposes in the Albany Park Community.

Priority: 21
Name:  Deauthorization of a portion of Chicago Harbor
Type:  Language
Cost:  N/A
Purpose and Need: The Chicago Parks District intends to construct a marina at the site of Old 9 Pier.  The USACE Chicago District does not object to this deauthorization and has worked extensively to determine that this deauthorization will not interfere with navigation through the Chicago lock system.