Milwaukee Riverkeeper Announces Campaign to Remove Estabrook Dam
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Riverkeeper launched a new campaign today on Earth Day to remove the Estabrook Dam. The dam,declared a public nuisance by a Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge, could cost Milwaukee County taxpayers more than $5 million to repair and maintain, significantly higher than the $1.7 million projected cost of removing the dam. The dam also increases the risk for dangerous, property-destroying floods upstream of the dam.
“Removing the Estabrook Dam is our once-in-a-generation chance to significantly improve the quality of the Milwaukee River,” said Cheryl Nenn, Milwaukee Riverkeeper. “This is Milwaukee County’s most significant environmental opportunity of the decade, and if repaired rather than removed, we’re stuck with a costly dam for more decades to come. The time is now to do the right thing: remove the Estabrook Dam, save taxpayers money, and improve the health of the Milwaukee River.”
Removal of the Estabrook Dam will provide many positive benefits to Milwaukee County residents. In addition to the savings for Milwaukee County taxpayers, removing the dam will:
· Dramatically improve the quality and health of the Milwaukee River.
· Restore the original, natural flow of the river resulting in reduced pollution, improved water quality and will be the first step to restoring the area around the dam to the natural river bed that was there for hundreds of years prior to the dam’s construction.
· Improve natural habitats in the Estabrook and Lincoln Park areas, which will sustain more wildlife habitats and increase fish populations.
· Decrease the force of currents during severe rainstorms, which will also decrease erosion along the river.
“Removal of the Estabrook Dam is a win-win-win for homeowners, taxpayers, and the environment,” added Cheryl Nenn. “It’s a rare day when our elected leaders can both save money and help the environment at the same time. It’s a rarer day when they say no – we want to spend millions more and do the environmentally irresponsible thing.”
“We are advocating for the fiscally and ecologically responsible option,” Nenn continued. “We encourage Milwaukee County elected officials to seize this opportunity and remove the Estabrook Dam.”