[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E340]]
 LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO DEVELOP A 
       COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE KANKAKEE RIVER BASIN

                                 ______


                          HON. THOMAS W. EWING

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 1995
  Mr. EWING. Mr. Speaker, I am re-introducing legislation which I 
sponsored in the 103d Congress authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers to study and recommend solutions to the flooding problems in 
the Kankakee River basin. This legislation was included in the Water 
Resources Development Act of 1994, which was adopted in the U.S. House 
of Representatives, but not enacted into law.
  The areas surrounding the Kankakee River and some of its tributaries 
have faced an increasing flood problem in recent years due to 
sedimentation and other factors. Storms which may not have caused 
flooding a few years ago, now cause major problems. In fact, the county 
of Kankakee, IL, commissioned a floodplain and mapping study of their 
own which altered their base flood elevations dramatically.
  The Kankakee River basin is home to more than 1,000,000 people in 
both Illinois and Indiana, and the river is the area's greatest natural 
resource. Accordingly, this study has the support of the local 
community and environmental leaders.
  In these tight budgetary times each funding request deserves strict 
scrutiny. However, failure to invest $500,000 for this 1 year study, 
will cost the Federal Government and the citizens of east central 
Illinois much more in the coming years. I trust my colleagues will 
agree with me that the Kankakee River Basin flooding problem should be 
addressed now, while it can still be inexpensively remedied. Thank you 
for your support of this much-needed legislation.


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