Hofmann Dam

TYPE:

Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration (CAP 206) - Construction

AUTHORITY:

Section 206, Water Resources Development Act 1996, as amended (Continuing Authority Program)

DESCRIPTION:

Hofmann Dam removal is part of a larger effort to remove three dams (Armitage and Fairbankare are the other two) that no longer serve their original purposes on the Des Plaines River. These dams created obstacles for fish migration, negatively impact water quality, and created stagnant reservoir habitat where riverine habitat used to flourish.

BENEFITS:
  • Improved fish habitat
  • Re-establishment of riverine habitat
  • Enhanced water quality
  • Safer and expanded recreational use of the Des Plaines River
COSTS:

Total Project Cost:

 $7,300,000

Federal Cost:

 $4,800,000

Non-Federal Cost:

 $2,500,000

CONSTRUCTION:

Cost: $3.7 million

CONTRACTORS:

Phase I – Kovilic Construction Co., Inc.

Phase II – Illinois Constructors Co.

TIMELINE:

Notching at Hofmann Dam began June 20, 2012 and was completed July 18, 2012. The 1908 Hofmann Legacy Dam uncovered during construction was fully removed by Sept. 5, 2012. Armitage Dam was fully removed on Jan. 5, 2012 and Fairbank Dam was fully removed on Feb. 3, 2012.

STATUS:

Project is complete. Contractor has been released from further plant monitoring and the project has been turned over to the local sponsors. Project closeout is underway and should be completed in the near future.