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Evanston seeks federal money after Army Corps flags wetlands on Bear River, Yellow Creek project
Summary
City staff told council that Army Corps changes identified wetlands in a pipeline project for Bear River and Yellow Creek, raising mitigation costs and extending the design schedule; the council approved a request to the NRCS for additional grant funding.
The City of Evanston authorized the mayor to request additional federal funding after the Army Corps of Engineers identified wetlands affecting a planned irrigation‑ditch piping project for the Bear River and Yellow Creek watershed.
Public works staff described the project as piping an irrigation ditch to direct stormwater from town to the river instead of the existing irrigation canal. Staff told the council that recent Army Corps rule changes identified wetlands in the stretch “virtually where it comes out of the river” and adjacent hillside. Those findings will require wetland mitigation, increasing project costs and extending the design timeline, staff said.
Mr. Robinson (city staff) told the council the city will work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to seek additional grant money and authorized the mayor to sign the NRCS request on the city’s behalf. The resolution (23‑50) to seek funds and continue design work passed by voice vote.
What happens next: Staff will pursue NRCS funding to cover mitigation requirements and adjust the project schedule and budget as needed. Council members asked questions about the wetland location and the likely need for mitigation; staff said the Army Corps’ new interpretation of rules, not prior practice, prompted the change.
