Local Residents Invited to Participate in DuPage River Watershed Study

     The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District has begun a study of the potential effects associated with flooding within the DuPage River watershed. The DuPage River watershed is located primarily within DuPage and Will Counties, Illinois. The Army Corps is hosting several public meetings for residents to learn more about the study and offer their input.                                                                                                                    

     Two public meetings will be held in Will County. The first meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 16 at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive in Bolingbrook, the second meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18 in the board room at the Shorewood Village Hall, One Towne Center in Shorewood. A meeting in DuPage County is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17 at the DuPage Government Center, 421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton.                                                                                                                     

     “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Army on this important study,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “This study will help discover alternatives to the flooding issues that affect many of our residents in these areas.”

     The study will investigate overbank and backwater flooding along the DuPage River and its major tributaries and will focus on possible structural and non-structural alternatives to reduce flood risks. Communities in Will County that are part of the study include Bolingbrook, Joliet, Romeoville, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Minooka, Channahon, Plainfield Township and Wheatland Township. Residents in these areas are encouraged to attend one of these public meetings.  

     “This is a great opportunity for our residents to have their voices heard,” Walsh said. “If someone is unable to attend this meeting, I encourage them to send their comments directly to the Chicago District office.”

     Residents who wish to send written comments regarding the DuPage River Feasibility Study should mail them no later than November 30, 2015 to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: Planning (Bullock), 231 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60604 or send an email to chicagodistrict.pao@usace.army.mil.