CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Illinois congressional delegation announced $1.5 million in federal funds has been approved to continue shoreline restoration work in Chicago.
The money - $1.5 million - might seem like a drop in the bucket; and it is, considering the extent of shoreline damage, but is expected to be used for evaluation and planning of what’s needed long-term.
Then comes the real money needed for the work.
The city’s shoreline damage, largely from 2020, stretches about nine miles, and the work is mostly complete. In some areas, the work is more temporary than others, such as large bags filled with sand to protect Lake Shore Drive near Jackson Park.
The good news is that Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, which are measured together, have been dropping - down about 18-inches from 2020. And the Army Corps’ forecast is for lake levels to continue dropping.
“Lake Michigan is one of Chicago’s most valuable assets. As the shoreline continues to face environmental threats from extreme weather and erosion, it’s more important than ever that we take real steps toward protecting it," said Senator Dick Durbin, in a statement. "I’m heartened to see President Biden commit federal funding to expanding the shoreline project, revitalizing this area, and combating climate change so that future generations of Illinoisans can continue to enjoy it."
Over the last 20 years, Durbin has helped direct $185 million to the Chicago Shoreline project, which built structural reaches to protect Lake Shore Drive and the Chicago Shoreline.
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