The City of Danville has been notified that state funds are finally being released for the removal of two local dams. Mayor Scott Eisenhauer says the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be releasing the funds for removing a low head dam on the North Fork River at Ellsworth Park, and another dam on the Vermilion River in the area behind the Public Safety Building.
The debate over whether the dams should be removed goes back more than five years. In 2013, when the director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced the state would recommend removing dams, some local fishermen objected. They claimed it would be detrimental to fish habitat in the area.
Over the years people have drowned at both locations, and signs have been posted warning canoeists about the danger.
Mayor Eisenhauer says he expects the low-head dam at Ellsworth Park will be removed first. Then, he says bids will be sought for removal of the ‘Danville Dam’ behind the Public Safety Building. The mayor adds both dams are expected to be removed this year.
