Many natural islands bordering the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)-maintained Mississippi River navigation channel and extending into the backwater have eroded and are disappearing. Erosion from wave action and main channel flows reduces the wetland, resulting in the loss of aquatic vegetation and shallow protected habitats necessary for fish and wildlife to survive. The purpose of this project is to reestablish lost habitat and ecosystem health.

Location

The Lower Pool 10 islands are part of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) Program. The site is a 1,000-acre side channel and island complex located on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River navigation channel in Pool 10, approximately one mile upstream from Lock and Dam 10 in Guttenberg, Iowa. The site lies within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Description

The proposed project goals include protecting and restoring island complexes that would enhance quality habitat for native and desirable species by reducing suspended solid concentrations and reducing wind fetch. The selected plan includes construction of several new islands, shoreline protection of several existing islands, construction of rock mounds and sills, and dredging of habitats.

Status

The feasibility report was approved in May 2022. Design of Stages 1-3 is complete. Stage 1 was awarded in 2024. Construction of the southern islands will commence in summer 2025. Construction of the remaining stages is subject to appropriations.

Authority

Congress originally authorized the UMRR in Section 1103 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986, Public Law 99-662 (codified as amended in 33 U.S. Code 652). Section 8345 of WRDA 2022, Public Law 117-263, increased the authorized program funding to a combined $90 million annually.

USACE will plan, design, and construct this project as part of a cooperative effort with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wisconsin and Iowa Departments of Natural Resources, and local interests.

Funding

Project design and construction will be 100% federally funded because the project is located on lands managed as a national wildlife refuge. Operations and maintenance will be 100% federally funded and a responsibility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Federal funds allocated to date $12,262,000
Anticipated construction cost $39,500,000