6 Jan 2014

Corps submits report to Congress with alternatives to prevent Asian carp and other species’ transfer between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins

The Corps submitted to Congress the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS) Report Jan. 6, 2014. The report contains eight alternatives, each with concept-level design and cost information, and evaluates the potential of these alternatives to prevent, to the maximum extent possible, the spread of 13 aquatic nuisance species, to include Asian carp. The options concentrate on the Chicago Area Waterway System and include a wide spectrum of alternatives ranging from continuing current activities to complete separation of the watersheds.

20 Dec 2013

Corps releases research on fish behavior from barge tows crossing electric barriers

The Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, released preliminary findings from research following laboratory and field experiments to assess potential impacts on fish behavior from barge tows crossing the electric fish barriers in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Additional review and analysis, as well as additional testing will be required to fully understand the data and any potential impact on barrier operations and navigation in the CSSC.

2 Oct 2013

Contract awarded for Burnham Prairie Annex ecosystem restoration project

The Chicago District awarded a contract for $1.2 million Sept. 30, 2013, to Industria Inc. for ecosystem restoration on 39 acres at Burnham Prairie Annex, one mile south of Chicago. The project includes removing invasive plants, performing prescribed burns, planting native species and monitoring the effectiveness of aquatic-plant-control techniques.

30 Sep 2013

Corps awards contract for Chicago shoreline storm damage reduction project

$11.37 million contract awarded for the Chicago shoreline storm damage reduction project from Montrose Harbor to Irving Park Road. This project is one of 23 segments repairing 9.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in Chicago. The overall project will be approximately 80 percent complete with conclusion of this segment. Construction is set to begin spring 2014 and end July 2015.

30 Sep 2013

Corps awards contract for Rosewood Beach ecosystem restoration project

The Corps awarded a $7.34 million contract for the Rosewood Beach Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration project in Highland Park, Ill. Construction is set to begin late fall and end in 2018. Restoration includes new breakwaters for dune formation and native plantings, stream daylighting for fish habitat, and bluff and ravine restoration to improve this unique ecosystem.

26 Sep 2013

Contract awarded for Burns Approach Channel dredging and disposal

The district awarded a contract for $867,500, Sept. 25, 2013, to Luedtke Engineering Company LLC. for mechanical dredging and disposal of 75,000 cubic yards at Burns Approach Channel in Portage, Ind. The dredged material will be placed in water along Ogden Dunes. Work is expected to begin spring 2014. Severe shoaling occurred at this channel as a resultant of Hurricane Sandy.

2 Aug 2013

USACE Chicago District protects, restores natural treasures through GLRI and GLFER

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District manages an extensive ecosystem restoration program that restores and protects over 2,600 acres of streams, lakes and wetlands and opens up over 58 miles of free-flowing river. Completed projects and those currently in construction provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife, and extensive value to the public.

1 Aug 2013

Corps awards contract for work on new electric barrier

The district awarded a contract July 31, 2013, for construction of water structures as part of a new electric barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Romeoville, Ill. This is as an upgrade to the demonstration barrier that has been online since 2002. The barriers are operated to deter the inter-basin establishment of Asian carp and other fish through an electric field in the water.

26 Jul 2013

Corps signs project partner agreement for Rosewood Park ecosystem restoration project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Park District of Highland Park signed the Project Partnership Agreement for the Rosewood Park Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration Project, July 25, 2013.

18 Jun 2013

New home for Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District Headquarters

The Chicago District Headquarters will move to a new location at the Bank of America Building, effective approximately July 15, 2013.