County signs Pike River restoration project documents [Video]

County Executive Samantha Kerkman and County Board Chairman Monica M. Yuhas have signed formal resolutions to allow the Pike River south branch restoration project to move forward.

The project will restore approximately 1.5 miles of the south branch, between Highway K and Highway S on Kenosha’s west side and in Somers.

County officials say benefits will include improved quality of water that ultimately flows into Lake Michigan, increased native open space and recreational areas, and reduced erosion.

A roughly $10 million award from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is supporting the $17.1 million project, along with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Fund for Lake Michigan and the Brookwood Foundation.

The Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network, another project partner, is also continuing to seek additional support to lessen the county’s share of the costs.