Photos: $5-$10M Starved Rock Breakwater Project breaks ground
![Workers use an amphibious dump truck (bottom) and barges with excavators (top) to haul silt near Delbridge Island about a mile east of the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/tUgHaSgpj_ZrlnTJN1PtoufilFM=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70):focal(1245x1816:1255x1826)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/ZRIURBSOU5AHDEFD7HR5WDPMSI.jpg)
![U.S. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Starved Rock Breakwater project at Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/B2ne44cPmdcqYfe8JEUWRvhxsqw=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/VIGXFCH6BVAHVBF7WIC3TOSZRA.jpg)
![An escavator dredges near Delbridge Island about a mile east of the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/IPyNTCcLV-eUQd-eqhKqew5IGBA=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/AE376NNXPRCHRIYTQRV5VMT7LY.jpg)
![Over fifty people gathered for a groundbreaking for the new Starved Rock Breakwater project at Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/YOd5MpTLFQqp-mQcbmeOvH8wNuQ=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/Y5SXDE3BQ5EZRCYU7BAZIKCDMY.jpg)
![U.S. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois (first from right) gathered for a groundbreaking for the new Starved Rock Breakwater project at Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/e8V-Va7THC0F0kE8oNLUzMgiZZs=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/G2GBXSANGRGJZLL76XAZVLFMZ4.jpg)
![An escavator dredges near Delbridge Island about a mile east of the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/-NDBVxfbHc2GoAEWG_Gre4ci4VY=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/U7MRWWP5KBGONMYN3HRMKWEZPM.jpg)
![Workers use a amphibious dump truck to haul silt near Delbridge Island about a mile east of the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/AqBACW9NHggeukm2Pw-zOxxMfkg=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/MEP74JM3KJAITHMAMWFF7NPLYQ.jpg)
![An aerial view of Delbridge Island looking west toward the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/hzsJWAnpzo7BmLeSkcnLfArkc5A=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/IN6VO6VREBGUFE4R6OAN7XNAQA.jpg)
![An aerial view of Delbridge Island looking west toward the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/j9_r7lCgUOE0Sik9OQZvbrA6Lwg=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/PZH6BKDOO5GOLCZOIVN6WVXR4Y.jpg)
![An aerial view of Delbridge Island looking west toward the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/_KkkvvZJUbCj5hirh57YaIt2hxc=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/TOU2MZZFVJDSXHSMMHG4OS7PKU.jpg)
![An aerial view of Delbridge Island looking east toward Ottawa on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/JsFP1l3Av21mzHWpihhFTZhFBM4=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/5ZJHPESE7JEZHPCIUM6FPOMTBM.jpg)
![Matthew M. Fletcher Deputy Commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Starved Rock Breakwater project at Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/l6Uk5JfB65SUZc5Ibvin6r5j5Zs=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/OSKXVAGH65C35M6UP3ETCIQMNY.jpg)
![Rachael Hawes project management branch of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Starved Rock Breakwater project at Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/VtFqOn2B2Fqn-IbbJp_pd-Pwpas=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/XHK6XPRTOFDTRFSQCT7IRZWQEI.jpg)
![Natalie Phelps Finnie Illinios Department of Natural Resources director, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Starved Rock Breakwater project at Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/xGrWSRKnKYBiJLEZlhDfQaPmSX0=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/7IWB5MX6KJHOVIKDTK6LUXKBOE.jpg)
![Workers use an amphibious dump truck (top) and a barge with excavators (bottom) to haul silt near Delbridge Island about a mile east of the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/M7J6fDSDRfE7Owbz-BllaEipdC8=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/FK47LC4VARELLIAUKFQB5TO4VQ.jpg)
![U.S. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois (right) speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Starved Rock Breakwater project at Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/NmHsekay6kCbRj7MH7tD6_rPAKc=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/TN6XGUFG6RATDOHUNHP7XNITVE.jpg)
![Workers use a amphibious dump truck to haul silt near Delbridge Island about a mile east of the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.
Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth.
The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million.](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/2qCcVURwZ_WUxCoTYgdayrEufbs=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/WJ4AFAP66VF4DHUNWHFD3FJCBA.jpg)
Workers use an amphibious dump truck (bottom) and barges with excavators (top) to haul silt near Delbridge Island about a mile east of the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 near Starved Rock State Park. The Starved Rock Breakwater project is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool. It will increase the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improve spawning and nursery habitat for native fish. Construction of the breakwater will involve placement of riprap along northern edge of the former Delbridge Island, adjacent to the navigation channel between River Mile 233 and 234. The breakwater structure will be approximately 6,100 feet long and constructed to a design elevation 461.85 feet, providing adequate protection to allow for submerged aquatic vegetation growth. The estimated total cost of this project is between $5 and $10 million. (Scott Anderson)
![Scott Anderson](https://www.shawlocal.com/resizer/hy8TvWqROyzD9BkMg3mis74Os64=/84x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/shawmedia/95c12e4b-fee8-46dd-8526-6ea454e14cbd.jpg)
Scott Anderson
Over a decade of experience in photojournalism with over 15 years in the newspaper industry.