CHAMPAIGN, Ill., 3/11/2021: Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) hydrologic and hydraulic modeling in Boone and Winnebago Counties, Illinois is underway as part of a study to help local communities identify areas of high flood risk for flood mitigation planning.

ISWS is working collaboratively on the project with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources-Office of Water Resources (IDNR-OWR) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The first phase of the project, data collection, is anticipated to begin in mid-March 2021 and to be completed in summer 2021. In this phase, surveyors will conduct detailed channel and bridge surveys of the river, including in or near the cities of Rockford and Belvidere as well as in Boone County and Winnebago County Unincorporated Areas.

Field survey activities will primarily be focused on the Kishwaukee River from the mouth at the Rock River upstream to the Boone County/McHenry County line.

Residents should be aware of the periodic presence of survey crews in the area. Surveys will be completed as stream conditions and weather allow.

Questions about the study can be directed to Aaron Thomas, P.E., CFM, at the Illinois State Water Survey (abthomas@illinois.edu), 217-333-7832.