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Illinois 31st State Senate District
Bond initiative helps Fox Waterway fund conservation efforts
SPRINGFIELD - State Sen. Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) introduced legislation in the Senate last month that gives the Fox Waterway Agency (FWA) statutory authority to sell its dredging material as reclaimed topsoil. The revenue created from the sale of the topsoil will be used for projects designed to maintain and improve the waterway. House Bill 156 was passed by the legislature last week and now moves to Governor Quinn for approval.
Every year, Wisconsin topsoil is moved downstream into the lakes and rivers of the Fox River Chain O’Lakes. This excess soil collects in the waterways, creating blockage that can lead to flooding. The Fox Waterway Agency removes the soil, but currently does not have the authority to use it for resale.
"The majority of the Fox Waterway’s funding for conservation projects is limited to the sale of special stickers that must be purchased in order to use the waterway," said Bond. "My bill will provide an additional source of revenue for the Agency, and at the same time help maintain a core philosophy on conservation."
As funding in the state budget becomes more competitive, the FWA has been looking for creative ways to generate revenue without placing financial strain on residents of the waterway system. By drying out the nutrient-rich soil, the Agency believes they will be able to resell it to local land developers. The money generated from the sale of the soil would be used to fund water quality projects and create more recreational opportunities.
Bond has spearheaded many of the recent efforts to help promote the Fox River Chain O’Lakes. As a founding member of the Fox Waterway Caucus, he was able to secure $1 million in state funding for local conservation and recreation projects. Earlier this year he also introduced legislation to appropriate $2 million to the Agency, as part of a low-interest revolving loan program to assist shoreline homeowners in the development of their property. With the average cost for shoreline restoration estimated at $8,000, nearly 10% of the shoreline residences could receive loan assistance in the first installation of the program.
"We are very fortunate to have such a tremendous resource in our region," Bond said. "Preserving this natural resource continues to be a top priority for our district, and these initiatives will help to realize this goal."
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