According to a report from the Elgin Courier-News, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that it would like to do more research before moving forward with its recommendation to remove nine Fox River dams.

This new assessment will reevaluate the "broad or holistic" impact of dam removal, addressing issues not fully covered in the initial report.

Initial project shortfalls: The original study faced criticism for its inadequate assessment of local impacts, such as concerns about the effects on Elgin's drinking water supply or potential consequences like sediment shifts and the need for shoreline restoration.

Community input: Local communities have been actively involved in the decision-making process. The city of Elgin, for instance, has invested nearly $500,000 in conducting its own impact studies. Moreover, the Corps received over 1,000 public comments on the proposal, indicating strong community engagement in the issue.

Moving forward: The project's timeline and future remain uncertain. The Corps is already behind its original schedule for decision-making and implementation. Local groups have formed on both sides of the issue, with some supporting dam removal for environmental reasons and others opposing it due to concerns about local impacts.

This delay provides an opportunity for a more comprehensive assessment of the plan's impacts on both riverside communities and the river ecosystem.

Read the full Elgin Courier-News article.

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