Caledonia Floodplain and Levee Feasibility Study (Wisconsin and Baraboo River)
Status as of 04-02-2007
Project Authority
The Corps of Engineers was authorized by Resolution of the Committee on Public Works of the U.S. House of Representatives, 14 June 1972, to evaluate the problems and opportunities for flood damage reduction and allied purposes in the Wisconsin River, Wisconsin
The section 905(b) analysis for the Baraboo and Wisconsin River Basins, Wisconsin and Michigan and the letter of intent were approved October 31, 2003 for proceeding into the feasibility phase of planning for the "Ecosystem Restoration and Flood Damage Reduction for the Caledonia Levee Area". Funding of the Feasibility Study by Congress has not yet occurred.
Purpose
The Feasibility Study will explore options for the prevention of potential flood damage if and when the levee is breached by flooding or other events. The study will also explore options for ecological rehabilitation of the associated floodplain.
The floodplain is currently impacted by an antiquated 18 mile long levee on the south bank of the Wisconsin River that was constructed in the 19th century to allow crops to be grown in the floodplain. The levee is structurally inferior and has suffered breaches and boils throughout the years. The floodplain is now primarily a state recreational area and is no longer in agricultural production.
Interstate Highway 90/94 transects the floodplain. This highway is the primary corridor for commerce between the Chicago and Minneapolis Metropolitan Areas. The Wisconsin River flood of 1993 caused sufficient damage to the highway to require closing and reconstruction of one northbound lane.
Through sound scientific analysis and strong local input the Feasibility Study will identify options for floodplain rehabilitation having the goals of:
- mitigation of potential flood damage to Interstate 90/94
- rehabilitation of floodplain ecological function
- reduction of potential flood damage to urban areas in and around Portage, WI
- enhancement of floodplain wildlife habitat
- reduction of ongoing maintenance cost
Urgency
The Caledonia Levee narrowly survived breaching during the Wisconsin River flood of 1993. State and county officials expect that the levee will not survive the next flood equivalent to 1993.
Status
Columbia County and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have commissioned a technical group to make recommendations to the County and State of Wisconsin as to alternatives for action. Sand County Foundation, Sauk County, and others are partnering in this effort. The recommendations are to be made in early 2007.
Contact Information
Prepared by: John W. Laub, Consultant, Sand County Foundation, PO Box 3186, Madison, Wisconsin, 53704. Direct inquiries to jwlaub@hughes.net, phone: (715) 588-3721.
Status as of 04-02-2007.