Durbin, Lightfoot, Members Of Delegation Highlight How Infrastructure Bill Will Benefit Chicago's Shoreline And Lake Michigan

Statement

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mayor Lori Lightfoot, along with U.S. Representatives Bobby Rush (D-IL-01), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), and Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) today joined state, local, and environmental leaders at the Shedd Aquarium to discuss how new federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help protect Lake Michigan and Chicago's shoreline. The funding, allocated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), will support two projects: $1.5 million to study expansion of the Chicago Shoreline Project to new areas impacted by rising lake levels and $225 million for the Brandon Road Project to prevent invasive Asian Carp from reaching Lake Michigan.

"The more than $200 million in federal funding we are celebrating today is a direct result of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that I and my Chicago delegation colleagues voted for. It provides historic investments in our nation's infrastructure, including one of Chicago's most important assets -- Lake Michigan," Durbin said. "I've championed both the Chicago Shoreline Protection Project and the Brandon Road Project for years, and I'm heartened by the Biden Administration's support for these efforts. I'll continue working with my delegation colleagues to combat climate change and protect the Great Lakes."

"The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help protect Chicago's crown jewel, Lake Michigan," said Mayor Lightfoot. "The commitment we have made as a city, in addition to our partnership with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers and other federal leaders, demonstrate the effort that needs to be put in place in order to repair our shoreline. I am proud of the work the City, Senator Durbin, Senator Duckworth, and our Congressional delegation have done to advocate for our shoreline as well as the Brandon Road Project, which will protect the health of the lake."

"Climate change is knocking on our door, and each year our shoreline increasingly falls victim to erosion and storm damage. I'm excited that funding from President Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help pave the way for expanding the Chicago Shoreline Project. We cannot neglect the South Shore in these efforts -- the eight miles of shoreline on the South Side have too often been left behind in previous lakefront restoration projects," said Congressman Rush. "I am hopeful that comprehensive, long-term solutions to protect our lakefront are closer than ever to becoming a reality."

"Chicago's shoreline is a defining feature of our great community, but unfortunately, severe storms and varied lake levels in recent years have caused extensive damage that needs to be addressed. I hear from my constituents who live on or near the lakefront all the time about their concerns of the storm damage and threats to their properties," said Congresswoman Schakowsky. "This funding is a critical step in the right direction, and the first step we need to comprehensively address the issue. I am grateful for the efforts of the Army Corps and my colleagues at all levels of government -- we all want to see our great shoreline restored and usable by all."

"In recent years, we've seen the harmful effects of climate change on the Chicago shoreline. I am pleased that the Army Corps of Engineers has heeded our call to give the shoreline the priority it deserves," said Congressman Quigley. "Our lakefront is a precious part of the community here in Chicago and this investment will make significant strides in protecting and preserving it from the inevitable toll of climate change."

"It is imperative that we take action now to protect the Lake Michigan shoreline," said Congresswoman Kelly. "We already know about some repairs and improvements that need to be made, but we must also prepare for the impacts of the climate crisis so that the shoreline, which is so important to South Chicago, is protected for generations to come. I am thrilled to see this funding coming to Chicago from the bipartisan infrastructure law. We are proactively protecting one of our city's most iconic recreational and economic resources. Our communities are going to continue to benefit from more funding to come from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act."