Updated Lower Fox Locks Construction Timeline
March 7, 2007
The Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) was created in 2001 by the State Legislature to facilitate the transfer and rehabilitation of the lower Fox River locks from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The FRNSA has a plan to complete all lock restoration projects by 2009 and to have the system in operation by 2010.
· In 2005, stabilization work was completed in Kaukauna and Little Chute locks.
· In 2006, an aquatic invasive species-monitoring program above and below the Rapid Croche Sea Lamprey barrier was initiated. This program is under the direction of Dr, Bart De Stasio of Lawrence University in Appleton, WI.
· In 2006, the four Appleton locks were rebuilt and came in on time and under budget. The City of Appleton also replaced the Olde Oneida Street Bridge
The Lawe Street Bridge and the CN Railroad Bridge at Appleton Lock #4 are being rebuilt in 2007.
· 2008, the Cedars Lock and the mile long dike through the Village of Little Chute will be rebuilt. Operation of the Appleton and Cedars section is scheduled for 2008 when the bridges will be completed.
· The Little Chute guard lock, lock and combined locks are scheduled for 2008.
· The five Kaukauna locks are scheduled for rehabilitation in 2009.
There are three financial pieces of the puzzle that still need to be completed
1. A requirement of the original locks transfer agreement was that $2.8 million needs to be raised locally to obtain state and federal matches. At this time, approximately $600,000 of that amount remains to be raised;
2. The federal match still needs to be secured by action of the federal representatives.
3. A plan for and funding to support the transfer of boats over the sealed Rapide Croche sea lamprey barrier must be approved. This plan, including an aquatic invasive species management element, is currently under development.
Local citizens and business owners interested in the project can participate and provide input by contacting the FRNSA at their headquarters in the Corps of Engineers Building, 1008 Augustine St, Kaukauna, WI 54130.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to become members of the Friends of the Fox and support their fund-raising effort by donating to the "Unlock the Fox Locks Fund". The ultimate success of the project depends on citizens of the area, as this is not considered to be a government project; it is a local project to benefit the local folks in the Fox Valley Region.
All donations are considered to be charitable contributions.
For more information on this project, contact Harlan Kiesow, Executive Director of the FRNSA at (920) 759-9833, or Bob Stark, President of the Friends of the Fox, at (920) 809-6407.
