Army Corps Says Chicago River's Not Closing

Any discussions are in "what if" stages

What you talking 'bout?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers disputes a report from the Chicago Tribune that plans are in the works to close the Chicago River four days per week to combat the spread of Asian Carp.

"We're not looking at any lock closures in a vacuum," Army Corps spokeswoman Lynn Whelan said.  "It's not going to be a quick decision. It's going to be part of a longer review process."

The Tribune reported Tuesday morning the Corps laid out three scenarios in which the locks would be closed to boats and barges and may recommend the closures by April 1st. 

There are no scenarios, according to Whelan, and the issue is still in the study phase. She said any discussion about closing waterways is still in the "what if" stages.  She also says there is no time frame.
 
"We're looking at all of the options, all of the tools within our authority," Whelan said. "We operate the barrier and locks.  We're working with the EPA, Fish & Wildlife, IDNR, and everyone is taking a look within their respective authorites what we can do and how can we put it all together."

Contact Us