Rivers of Illinois Coordinating Council

The Rivers of Illinois Coordinating Council advises the Governor and State agencies on ways to better coordinate and optimize funds affecting the Illinois River Watershed and rivers statewide.

The Rivers of Illinois Coordinating Council, chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, was originally created in 1997 and reconstituted by 20 ILCS 4117 on January 1, 2023.

The Council periodically reviews activities and programs administered by State and federal agencies that directly impact the Illinois River Watershed, the Mississippi River, and the Wabash and Ohio Rivers, as well as advises and makes recommendations to the Governor. The Council helps identify possible sources of additional funding for rivers and watershed management projects.

In collaboration with local communities and organizations, the Council works to address watershed and water resource concerns and to encourage strategies that protect, restore, and expand critical habitats, soil conservation, and water quality practices. It also encourages local communities to develop watershed management plans to address stormwater, erosion, flooding, sedimentation, and pollution problems.

The first quarterly meeting of 2023 was held on March 29.

• Director Natalie Phelps Finnie presented on the goals of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). These goals include maintaining clean water sources and investing in infrastructure across Illinois.
• Steve Altman from IDNR presented on the Illinois State Water Plan. State agencies developed this plan to (1) provide policy and program guidance in water resource management, (2) ensure water resources are available to all Illinois residents regardless of background or location, and (3) protect water quality and supply for Illinois residents and wildlife. This plan will be presented to the Illinois General Assembly.

• 2022 RICC Annual Report coming soon.