TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 3, 2022
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to issue a 5-year permit extension to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to continue to use the boat ramp located on an approximately 50’ x 8’ area of Main Channel Parcel 15.05, and access road, in Lockport, Will County, Illinois to access the Main Channel for the purpose of conducting sonar surveys of fish populations near the aquatic nuisance dispersal barriers. Consideration shall be a nominal fee of $10.00
Body
Dear Sir:
Since 2011, the Board of Commissioners has issued permits to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“U.S. Fish”) to use the boat ramp and access road to launch and retrieve boats for the purpose of conducting sonar surveys of fish populations to determine the effectiveness of the aquatic nuisance dispersal barriers that are owned and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and located in the Main Channel north of 135th Street in Romeoville, Illinois.
U.S. Fish has requested the extension of its 5-year permit to continue to use the boat ramp and access road for the same purpose. U.S. Fish’s current permit expires April 30, 2023.
ACBL Transportation Services, LLC (“ACBL”) leases Main Channel Parcel 15.05, which comprises 22.38 acres, for operation of a barge transportation company. The lease, which commenced in 2016 and expires in 2055, reserves the District’s right to renew this permit. U.S. Fish will be responsible for implementing safety protocols for its boats and crews and coordinating schedules with ACBL and other entities also authorized to use this site for boat launching purposes.
The District's technical departments have reviewed this request and have no objections thereto. A nominal fee of $10.00 is recommended as U.S. Fish is a governmental entity utilizing the property in furtherance of a public purpose.
It is requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it authorize and approve the issuance of a 5-year permit extension to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to continue to use the boat ramp located on an approximately 50’ x 8’ area of Main Channel Parcel 15.05, and access road, in Lockport, Will County, Illinois to access the Main Channel for the purpose of conducting sonar surveys of fish populations near the aquatic nuisance dispersal barriers. Consideration shall be a nominal fee of $10.00.
It is also requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it authorize and direct the Chairman of the Committee on Finance and the Clerk to execute the permit extension agreement on behalf of the District after it is approved by the General Counsel as to form and legality.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:MTC:MM:vp
Recommended, Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for November 3, 2022
Attachment