Corps makes recommendation on Pool 19

ISLAND POPPING

We are not signing an agreement for design or construction or any financial commitment.  There is no commitment beyond our agreement to complete the Feasibility Study.  They were simply asking for the board's buy-in to move forward with analysis of their recommended alternative.”

Heather Huebner, LCC Director

LEE COUNTY – A plan to bring island habitat back to Pool 19 on the Mississippi River in Lee County took a another small step forward this week.
The Lee County Conservation Board met and approved a recommended approach from the Rock Island Army Corp of Engineers to use dredged materials to resurrect some islands that were submerged when the Keokuk dam was built.
Lee County Conservation Director Heather Huebner was cautious in her approach to the board’s approval saying it was just another small step in a very large project. A project with a price tag of more than $6 million, and $2 million would be a local share.
“This meeting was to take action on moving forward with the feasibility study with the Army Corps of Engineers. This was not agreeing to fully commit to the project,” Huebner said.
“We are not signing an agreement for design or construction or any financial commitment.  There is no commitment beyond our agreement to complete the Feasibility Study.  They were simply asking for the board's buy-in to move forward with analysis of their recommended alternative.
“They want us to feel comfortable and informed and in return will ask that we send them an email of support.  This is a step in their Corps process.”
According to a spreadsheet of alternatives presented to the board, the chosen alternative carries a $6.2 million pricetag. That includes a $550,000 feasibility study paid for by an allowance from federal dollars, making the new cost of the project $5.65 million. That cost will be split 65/35 with the county’s total as a sponsor being $1.98 million.
Huebner said the conservation district will not be using county money for their share should they move forward with the project.
“I’m talking to other interested parties regarding this project,” she said.
She said the goal for the Corp of Engineers would be to complete the feasibility study and move forward in the fall of 2024.
“At this time, if we are not prepared to move forward, whether that is financially, or not comfortable with any aspect of the project, then we do not have to move forward,” Huebner said.
“It is in our best interest to let them finish the feasibility study as we are not committed financially or in any other manner yet.  The island project conversation has been happening for at least a decade with Jim Noll leading the charge.  We are thrilled that we have the attention of the Corps and other groups in the interest of Pool 19… we just have to see what we can make happen.”