Title
Resolution supporting the Illinois Fox River Chain O'Lakes as a recreational and economic asset for the region.
Body
R E SO L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Illinois Fox River Chain O'Lakes in western Lake County is the busiest inland recreational waterway per acre in the entire United States with more than 7,100 acres of water, 15 lakes and 45 miles of river; and
WHEREAS, This "Key West of the Midwest" is fundamental to Lake County's economy as it is a major tourist attraction, annually drawing nearly 3.5 million visitors and providing recreational activities, including: boating, swimming, tubing, waterskiing, hunting and fishing; and
WHEREAS, The Illinois Fox River Chain O'Lakes is home to many residents, as well as hundreds of businesses such as eating establishments, marinas, boat accessories and others that generate millions of dollars for the local economy; and
WHEREAS, Maintaining the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes through adequate dredging and flood control measures help to not only reduce potentially costly flooding to homes, buildings, septic systems, and water-based businesses, but also to ensure continued recreational use; and
WHEREAS, Proper maintenance of the waterway is also vital to enhance water quality, fish and wildlife populations, and ecosystem health; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 2696 was filed in the Illinois Senate that proposes to transfer the maintenance of the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes from the Fox Waterway Agency to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; and
WHEREAS, Lake County government is committed to promoting and sustaining a safe, healthy, vibrant and environmentally responsible county; and
WHEREAS, The Lake County Board recognizes the importance of properly maintaining the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes system, which is vital in protecting property values, ensuring economic success for local business, preserving environmental quality and maintaining its appeal as a popular Midwest tourist destination; and
WHEREAS, The Lake County Board also supports that all fees generated by the users of the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes continue to be used directly to support and maintain the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes, as well as provide for adequate public safety; and
WHEREAS, The Lake County Board strongly supports programs and services that monitor, promote, and emphasize public safety on the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake County Board understands the importance of the Chain O'Lakes to Lake County and desires to voice its support for the following principles in any legislation changing the governance of the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes:
· The Fox River and Chain O'Lakes is protected and managed properly and appropriately so it can continue to be a recreational and economic asset for our region.
· All fees and revenue generated currently by the Fox Waterway Agency be used solely for the continued maintenance of the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes.
· That local residents and elected officials are consulted as part of the discussion regarding any proposed changes.
· Any changes to the proposed structure on the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes provide for adequate public safety to ensure this extremely busy waterway operates in a safe manner.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on March 11, 2014.