TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 7, 2019
COMMITTEE ON MONITORING AND RESEARCH
Mr. Brian Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authorization to Enter into an Agreement with the Department of the Army, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for the purpose of preparing a Comprehensive Water Resources Plan
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to enter into an agreement with the Department of the Army, to provide in-kind services as Non-Federal Sponsors along with the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for the preparation of a comprehensive water resources plan (Plan). The City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago ("District") will all be Non-Federal sponsors for the Plan.
The total cost to develop the Plan is currently estimated at $300,000.00. Under this Agreement, the Department of the Army will provide $150,000.00 toward the Plan. The District is expected to share an estimated cost of $150,000.00 with the other Non-Federal Sponsors. The District’s share will likely comprise approximately $41,805.00 of in-kind staff services, including meeting and committee participation and coordination with federal and Non-Federal Sponsors to assist the Department of the Army in the development of the Plan. Credit for the Non-Federal sponsors' in-kind services are subject to approval by the Department of the Army. If credit for these in-kind services is not approved, the District would be obligated to pay up to $150,000.00 toward the Plan. If this is necessary, additional Board authorization will be requested for any payment for the Plan.
With input from the Non-Federal Sponsors and the River Ecology and Governance Task Force, the United States Army Corps of Engineers will complete the following tasks: 1) identify problems and inventory existing conditions; 2) assess restoration potential and environmental impacts; 3) identify opportunities for connecting existing and planned riverfront developments and recreation amenities; 4) identify flood risk management strategies and align with ongoing and existing efforts; 5) assess public health impacts; and 6) conduct reach-specific evaluations. Plan completion will take approximately 12 months following execution of the Agreement.
It is beneficial for the District to participate in development of the Plan, as it will scope out potential for a more comprehensive feasibility study, which could ultimately make available federal dollars with local match for improvement projects in Chicago area river systems.
It is hereby recommended that the Board of Commissioners authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement with the Department of the Army, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for the purpose of a Comprehensive Water Resources Plan and all documents necessary to effectuate this agreement.
Requested, Edward W. Podczerwinski, Director Monitoring and Research, EWP:KB:HZ:JW:kq
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for November 7, 2019