Sec. 20. Duties of the Council.

261 words·~1 min read·/il/chapter-20/act-4117/20

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)The Council shall do the following:

(1)periodically review activities and programs administered by State and federal

agencies that directly impact the Illinois River Watershed, the Mississippi River, and the Wabash and Ohio Rivers;

(2)work with local communities and organizations to encourage partnerships that enhance

awareness and capabilities to address watershed and water resource concerns and to encourage strategies that protect, restore, and expand critical habitats and soil conservation and water quality practices;

(3)work with State and federal agencies to optimize the expenditure of funds affecting

the Illinois River Watershed and rivers;

(4)advise and make recommendations to the Governor and State agencies on ways to better

coordinate the expenditure of appropriated funds affecting the Illinois River Watershed and rivers;

(5)advise and make recommendations to the Governor on funds and the priority of

projects;

(6)encourage local communities to develop watershed management plans to address storm

water, erosion, flooding, sedimentation, and pollution problems, and encourage projects for the natural conveyance and storage of floodwaters, the enhancement of wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation opportunities, the recovery, management, and conservation of the rivers, the preservation of farmland, prairies, and forests, and the use of measurable economic development efforts that are compatible with the ecological health of the State; and

(7)help identify possible sources of additional funding for rivers and watershed

management projects.

(b)To the extent practical, the Council shall perform its duties in accordance with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor's Integrated Management Plan for the Illinois River Watershed Technical Report.