SB2766 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 36556 JAG 66663 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
SB2766

Introduced 1/17/2024, by Sen. Patrick J. Joyce

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Kankakee River Basin Conservancy Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall study water resources and water-related land resources of the Kankakee River Basin. Requires the Task Force to conduct a study on the environmental and economic impact of the Kankakee River Basin on surrounding land, infrastructure, and property. Requires the Task Force to submit its first report to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Provides for the repeal of the Act on January 1, 2027.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning conversation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Kankakee River Basin Conservancy Task Force Act.

Section 5. Findings. The General Assembly finds the following:

(1) The Kankakee River Basin in Illinois runs through all or parts of Iroquois County, Kankakee County, and Will County. Any precipitation that occurs in the basin will eventually make its way to the Kankakee River before reaching the outlet near Wilmington, Illinois.

(2) Tributaries of the Kankakee River include the Iroquois River, Sugar Creek, and the Yellow River.

(3) Just south of Wilmington, Illinois, the Kankakee River meets the Des Plaines River to form the Illinois River.

(4) Due to generally flat terrain throughout the Basin and shallow river slopes, heavy rainfall occurring in the region tends to cause the river to crest quickly and cause major flooding. Due to the effects of climate change, these floods are happening more frequently, causing damage to property, crops, and infrastructure.

Section 10. Kankakee River Basin Conservancy Task Force. The Kankakee River Basin Conservancy Task Force is created to study water resources and water-related land resources of the Kankakee River Basin in Illinois. The Kankakee River Basin Conservancy Task Force shall consist of the following persons:

(1) two members appointed by the Iroquois County Board Chair;

(2) two members appointed by the Kankakee County Board Chair;

(3) two members appointed by the Will County Board Chair;

(4) the Director of Natural Resources, or his or her designee; and

(5) the Executive Director of the Illinois Farm Bureau, or his or her designee.

Members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation and are not subject to Senate confirmation.

Section 15. Duties of the Kankakee River Basin Conservancy Task Force. The Task Force shall:

(1) conduct a study on the environmental and economic impact of the Kankakee River Basin on surrounding land, infrastructure, and property;

(2) develop a plan to address drain infrastructure issues, with a focus on flood control, drainage maintenance, and environmental enhancements; and

(3) implement a system to promote and sustain the development of surface and groundwater, address water quality in the River, restore and protect fisheries, restore and protect wetlands and aquatic habitat, and ensure future viability of water supplies in the basin.

Section 20. Report. On or before January 1, 2026, the Task Force shall submit its first report to the General Assembly, by filing copies of its report with the General Assembly, as provided in Section 3.1 of the General Assembly Organization Act, and with the Governor.

Section 25. Administrative support. The Department of Natural Resources shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force.

Section 30. Repeal. This Act is repealed on January 1, 2027.