Supervisors discuss flood mitigation concerns during Pike River restoration project meeting

The Kenosha County Board Committee of the Whole Meeting on February 26, 2025, focused on several key issues, primarily surrounding a restoration project along the South Branch Pike River and its implications for flood mitigation.

During the meeting, citizens raised concerns about the project's impact on flood mitigation. Officials clarified that while the project aims to restore the river, it is not designed as a flood mitigation effort. An engineer involved in the project indicated that significant flood reductions are not expected, particularly downstream, although there may be some localized benefits.

The discussion also touched on the financial aspects of the project. An initial resolution for bonding was planned for the upcoming county board meeting on March 18, which would authorize an additional $2.5 million for the project. This amount would supplement an existing resolution from 2022, which had already approved $2.2 million. The project can proceed without immediate bond sales, as the funds will be included in the regular bond sale scheduled for July and August.

Board members inquired about the property taxes associated with the parcels being acquired for the project, expressing a need to understand the financial implications of losing tax revenue from these properties. Additionally, questions arose regarding the inclusion of trails in the project costs and the anticipated upkeep expenses for the restored area. Officials noted that while some funding for maintenance might come from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), detailed estimates for ongoing costs have not yet been finalized.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the complexities of balancing restoration efforts with financial and environmental considerations, as well as the need for clear communication with the public regarding project expectations and outcomes.