FOX LAKE, Ill. (AP) – Residents are pushing for Illinois officials to change how they run a dam to prevent flooding in several lakes that flow into the Fox River in Chicago’s northern suburbs.
The Chicago Tribune reports that property owners are petitioning the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to intervene in the management of the Stratton Lock and Dam on the Fox River downstream in McHenry Township.
State officials warn that opening the dam and letting more water out of the Chain O’ Lakes could worsen flooding. The state has no plans to expand the dam’s capacity.
But residents suggest opening the dam gates to let water out sooner rather than waiting for the rain to fall. The alternative is a major departure from how the Illinois Department of Natural Resources operates the dam.
