A popular recreation area on the Mississippi River is included in a major restoration project being planned by the US Army Corps of Engineers and several other agencies. Public comments are now being accepted for the Steamboat Island Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project.
Water Resources Planner Rachel Perrine says the work will be done over eight years, on more than 2,600 acres, extending from Princeton, Iowa and Cordova, Illinois, up to the Wapsipinicon River. And the goal is to restore areas hurt by erosion, silt, and high water levels.
"And this habitat which many river species depend on for survival is at a high risk for further degradation unless the corps and our partnering agencies do something now to protect and restore it."
The project includes restoring aquatic habitat, forested areas, and Steamboat Island which includes Princeton Beach.
"In general the corps does not plan to close the area to the public during the construction phase but there may be times when access to certain areas could be limited for the sake of public safety."
Perrine says the project will cost 38 million dollars and be paid for by the Corps of Engineers. Partners include the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Illinois and Iowa DNR's.
A draft report and video presentation are available at the website https://go.usa.gov/xnukM. Public comments will be accepted through June 15th.
