Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the most recent meeting of the group of local, county and state officials discussing the future of the Oak Creek watercourse through South Milwaukee.
But Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik, who has led the effort to at least get everyone to the table on this important issue, has an update on progress in her most recent eNews update.
And here it is …
The Oak Creek Watershed (including the Cities of Oak Creek, South Milwaukee and Cudahy as well as the Airport) drains into the Oak Creek Watercourse. There are many issues of concern surrounding this Watercourse, including recent extreme storm events resulting in flooding around the Watercourse; contaminated sediment at Mill Pond; the condition of the dam; aging sewer infrastructure in Grant Park and Oak Creek Parkway; and streambank and Lake Michigan bluff erosion which threatens property.
I have worked with our regional planning agency to facilitate meetings with the City of South Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Parks Department. We have drawn on the knowledge of other agencies including the Department of Natural Resources. As a result of these talks, the City of South Milwaukee and the County Parks Department will create an agreement defining responsibility for emergencies, maintenance and improvement of the Oak Creek Watercourse. Following is a brief explanation of some relevant concerns.
- Long ago, the City placed concrete channels in parts of the Creek. Now, vegetation in the streambed and the structural soundness of bridges over the stream are of concern.
- The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission may be able to research the options for resolving dam issues and the potential for additional washouts of the road at the Mill Pond. The community would need to consider this data and reach a conclusion on the best future for the area. Policymakers would need to execute and seek funding for any decision.
- Farther downstream, sediment, stormwater and antiquated infrastructure have eroded the Creek banks and Lake Michigan bluffs, resulting in slumping slopes, an eroded coastline, and imminent loss of more parkland. Milwaukee County has proposed a project to resolve the eroding bluff. Storm and sanitary sewer structures need to be repaired.
- Finally, the community needs to determine priorities. It may wish to invest in protection for structures that are threatened by extreme rainfall and buildings experiencing sanitary sewer backups.
These are just a few of the many issues that must be resolved.
In other words, there is a lot of work to yet to do here — and tough decisions to be made. But at least the discussions continue. I’ll keep you posted.
You can access Pat’s entire newsletter here.
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