🌊 Fox River dam update 

 

    April 15, 2025

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As reported by Tri Cities Newsletter:

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Geneva’s city website states that it will not take any action related to its IDNR-owned dam until spring 2026 — and only after public meetings are conducted.

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St. Charles, the Fox River Dam Joint Task Force meeting scheduled for April was cancelled (the next meeting date is unclear).

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On Tuesday evening (April 15, 2025),  Batavia's  Committee of the Whole had an extensive discussion about a proposed $20K feasibility study that would explore multiple dam removal and alternative design options. You can watch the discussion during the first hour of this meeting recording. 

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Batavia’s situation is interesting. Unlike Geneva and St. Charles, Batavia already owns its dam and previously voted to remove and replace it with a series of rock weirs that would help maintain the Depot Pond. 

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Now, it appears that approach is in flux. The committee debated the original plan, potential economic impact studies, IDNR funding uncertainties, possible designs for a whitewater park and/or a canoe chute, and the importance of being prepared in the event the dam fails prior to any work commencing. 

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Ultimately, officials voted to table the issue until more information is gathered. It’s worth noting that even if a feasibility study gets approved, that would be the first of many steps in a complex process. 

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