Number
151723
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works to petition the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District to take jurisdiction over the lower estuary portions of the Milwaukee River, Menomonee River, the Kinnickinnic River, the South Menomonee Canal, and the Burnham Canal.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the Commissioner of Public Works to petition the Commission of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District to take jurisdiction over the Menomonee River from the estuary at South 29th Street extended to the confluence with the Milwaukee River, the South Menomonee Canal from South 13th Street extended to the confluence with the Menomonee River, the Burnham Canal from South 15th Street extended to the confluence with the South Menomonee Canal, the Kinnickinnic River from the estuary at South Chase Avenue to the confluence with the Milwaukee River, and the Milwaukee River from the estuary at the former North Avenue Dam to Lake Michigan at the Inner Harbor Entrance, pursuant to Section 13.05 of the Rules of Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee currently has jurisdiction over the Menomonee River from the estuary at South 29th Street extended to the confluence with the Milwaukee River, the South Menomonee Canal from South 13th Street extended to the confluence with the Menomonee River, the Burnham Canal from South 15th Street extended to the confluence with the South Menomonee Canal, the Kinnickinnic River from the estuary at South Chase Avenue to the confluence with the Milwaukee River, and the Milwaukee River from the estuary at the former North Avenue Dam to Lake Michigan at the Inner Harbor Entrance, hereinafter known as the “estuary watercourses”; and
Whereas, Properties in the vicinity of the estuary watercourses have experienced surface flooding and property damage, or are predicted to be inundated by the 1% chance (100-year) annual storm event; and
Whereas; The Milwaukee River, the Menomonee River, and the Kinnickinnic River have multiple communities located in their watersheds that contribute runoff to these rivers; and
Whereas, The Burnham Canal and the South Menomonee Canal are extensions of the Menomonee River; and
Whereas, Approximately 114 structures are predicted to be inundated by the 1% chance (100-year) annual storm event in the vicinity of the “estuary watercourses”; and
Whereas, Potential alternatives that could be considered to abate regional flooding risks include storage or conveyance of floodwaters, or acquisition and floodproofing of flooded structures; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District is in the best position to evaluate alternatives, and to take action to abate regional flooding risks along the estuary watercourses; now, therefore be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, in light of the above and foregoing declarations, the Commissioner of Public Works is authorized to petition the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District to take jurisdiction over the estuary watercourse portions of the Milwaukee River, Menomonee River, the Kinnickinnic River, the South Menomonee Canal, and the Burnham Canal; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Comptroller is authorized and directed to transfer such funds which are available for this purpose to the appropriate capital Project/Grant accounts.
Requestor
Department of Public Works
Infrastructure Services Division
Drafter
Environmental Engineering Section
TJT/KRS
February 15, 2016