Rock Island District completes first NESP construction project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District has successfully completed the first Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) construction project well ahead of schedule.

The Starved Rock Breakwater project broke ground in February and is a habitat restoration effort designed to restore submerged aquatic vegetation in the Illinois River, Starved Rock Pool.

The project increases the amount and quality of resting and feeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and improves spawning and nursery habitat for native fish.

Construction of the breakwater involved placement of riprap along the northern edge of the former Delbridge Island with the structure measuring approximately 6,100 feet long.