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U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) - Mississippi River Master Plan & River Project Input Copyright 2014 City of Dubuque Consent Items # 26. ITEM TITLE: U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) - Mississippi River Master Plan & River Project Input SUMMARY: City Manager recommending approval to submit the City of Dubuque's input during revision and updating of the Mississippi River Master Plan by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Rock Island District. SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Approve ATTACHMENTS: Description Type ❑ City Managers Letter Staff Memo ❑ Brochure Supporting Documentation ❑ Schmitt Island Master Plan Supporting Documentation NUi-B F City Manager's Office Dubuque City Hatt 50 West 131^Sheet E 1 I I I�' Dubuque,Iowa 52001-4864 (563)589-4110 office (563)589-4149 fax Masterpiece on the Mississippi 207.2012.2013 ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org June 19, 2015 Joseph Lundh Mississippi River Project Office Attn: Master Plan U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District P.O. Box 534 Pleasant Valley, IA 52767 RE: Input on Mississippi River Master Plan and Mississippi River Project Dear Mr. Lundh, This letter serves as the City of Dubuque's input during revision and updating of the Mississippi River Master Plan by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Rock Island District. The City of Dubuque appreciates the long-term vision of this master planning effort, with its main focus on stewardship of natural and cultural resources and provision of high quality outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities. The City of Dubuque supports the broad goals of the Master Plan revision to: • Provide Best Management Practices to respond to regional needs, resource capabilities and sustainability, and expressed public interests. • Protect and manage natural and cultural resources. ■ Provide outdoor recreation opportunities based on public demands while sustaining Project natural resources. • Recognize the particular qualities, characteristics, and potentials of the Project. • Provide consistency and compatibility with other state and regional goals and programs. The City of Dubuque's comments below will follow the broad categories of the online public input form for the Mississippi River Master Plan and Mississippi River Project. Recreation Parks to People is an initiative to create a long-term, sustainable strategy to revitalize Iowa State Parks in connection with their surrounding regions. In September 2014, the State of Iowa selected the Grant Wood Mississippi River Region (GWMR) partnership of Jackson, Jones, and Dubuque Counties as the pilot program. An informational brochure about the GWMR vision, goals, and key projects is enclosed. The City of Dubuque is a partner with diverse stakeholders from the region's four State Parks, two Scenic Byway groups, three County Conservation Boards, three Community Foundations, numerous business and tourism organizations, and other local, county, and regional interests. We encourage the USACE to continue to communicate and coordinate with local governments and regional partnerships such as the GWMR, to expand public recreational access in a variety of forms. We would like to see more walk-in access to augment the public boat access we have. This will expand access to the Mississippi River to persons who are non-boaters. We also support expanded public boat ramp access. In July 2014, the City of Dubuque adopted the Chaplain Schmitt Island Master Plan. This plan includes concepts to expand public access to the Peosta Channel on the Island's western shore (see enclosure) which offer great partnership opportunities. In addition, we support beach nourishment practices to create sand bars as recreational amenities using dredged materials; e.g., at Finley's Landing in Dubuque County which is leased from the USACE by Dubuque County Conservation. Environmental Stewardship / Forest Management We encourage the USACE to continue to communicate and coordinate with local governments and regional partnerships, such as the GWMR, on implementation of the Upper Mississippi Restoration Program EMP (Environmental Management Program). Our community values the natural resources and recreational opportunities available within the Upper Mississippi Fish & Wildlife Refuge. We also support additional EMPs to improve wildlife habitat, environmental /ecological integrity, and sustainability of the Refuge. We support increased forest management by the USACE to improve habitat diversity for migratory birds such as waterfowl and songbirds that use the Mississippi Flyway. We support opening the tree canopy to allow more sunlight to reach the forest floor for regeneration and diversification of tree, plant and animal species. Shoreline Management We encourage the USACE to continue to communicate and coordinate with local governments and regional partnerships to add recreational opportunities, promote public recreational areas, and protect shoreline areas. With six miles of Mississippi Riverfront and Chaplain Schmitt Island, the City of Dubuque recognizes the need for sustainable shoreline management. We have a long- 2 standing partnership with the USACE for Dubuque's floodwall and levee system and our public access areas along our waterfront. Other Comments We value the navigational structures that the USACE operates and maintains at Lock & Dam #11 and along the river. We encourage the USACE to continue to communicate and coordinate with local governments and regional partnerships to increase visitor j access to and interpretation of the lock and dam system with public restrooms, picnic areas, and interpretive kiosks. The USACE regulatory process is very efficient, and we appreciate that the USACE is very prompt in responding to permit applications by state and local governments. We commend the USACE for improved work flow in the Section 106 review process. Thank you for considering the City of Dubuque's comments. Please contact me if you have questions or would like more information. Sincerely, Michael C. Van Milligen City Manager Enclosures MVM:lc cc: Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Don Vogt, Public Works Director John Klostermann, Streets & Sewers Supervisor Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Bob Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Marie Ware, Leisure Services Manager Cori Burbach, Sustainability Coordinator Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Kyle Kritz, Associate Planner Brian Preston, Dubuque County Conservation Wayne Buchholtz, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Mike Griffin, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Kelley Deutmeyer, East Central Intergovernmental Association Chandra Ravada, East Central Intergovernmental Association Dave Heiar, Jackson County Alliance & GWMR T9PlenningWM letter to USAGE-MRP comments.dou 3 e ai l Mission: To enhance, promote, sustain, and connect our region's cultural, natural, and park assets The Work Begins.. . The following projects kick—off the ambitious 20—plus year master plan of the Grant Wood Mississippi River Region. Please note:A strong priority of the Grant Wood Mississippi River Region is to maintain the exceptional facilities already in place. Each of these projects includes some level of restoration of existing facilities before attention is turned to "building new." Brief project descriptions and first—phase outcomes are described on the next three pages. R, I HNII Is _.._.._. --. ._ .. _..J .r Dubuque h �� r. i I d��z Waterloo A M I i _ � nrr. I w. I � I i At.A Iowa City Davenport Dyersville Dubuque �--..— -- Mines of Spain Misj C '!Yl s ,; _( St.Donatus i Maquoketa Cascade Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area an the ore._.._.._.. _.._.._ ._.._.._.._ _.._. ; Willewaler Creek Spruce I � Monticello ! s9iv�r I I � I Crossing the Wapsi, i Maquoketa Caves State Park Hurstvllle Interpretive Center IAnamosa Bridging History Prairie Creek Connections i Maquoketa Prairie Creek Park Wapsipinlcon State Park1.IIfll►.11P i L ..� .._. ._.._.._.. _.._ .._.. J �`•d - The W In, 3 � cU� ��� Maquoketa on the Move—All three counties of the region link via the extensive water trail on the Maquoketa River. The work requires barrier removal, improved access,support for outfitters, additional way—finding,and enhancements at destinations along the way.Soon to launch—the modification and/or removal of the Mon—Maq Dam near Monticello,coupled with enhanced and new river accesses. Eventual plans include a canoe livery in Canton,and direct connections to Monticello and other "ports of call." Project gets underway Summer 2015. The Mississippi Circuit —A seamless circuit from Dubuque to Bellevue involves city,county,state parks and trails filling critical gaps and shaping one—of—a—kind, memorable visitor experi— ences. Here we link through the 10—state Mississippi River Trail and Iowa's portion of the scenic Great River Road.The result:visitors can move )ISSlppl between the City of Dubuque to Mines of Spain State Park, St. Donatus, Spruce Creek Park,City of Bellevue,Feiderman Park,the incoming Mill Creek Pedestrian II"CUIt Bridge, and they land in Bellevue State Park.The project includes a critical trail connection to the nationally renowned Butterfly Garden and the Nature Center _ at Bellevue State Park. Ready to paddle? The circuit continues via water trail from Findley's Landing to Iowa's easternmost point—the Island City of Sabula. Prairie Creek Connections — We create an activity hub in the heart of the region as we link the Prairie Creek Recreation Area, n_ City of Maquoketa, Hurstville Interpretive Center and Maquoketa Creek Park p6 Caves State Park — a mecca for caving enthusiasts. We invite all walks to the region when we provide equestrian facilities, Bellevue cabins, and campground as well as the Ohnward Fine Arts Center, Maquoketa Art Experience, and Maquoketa YMCA — offering a popular family get—away Felderntan Park destination. The project includes: 7 miles of paved connecting trails, parking Bellevue State Park lot construction (and associated stormwater management), improved access for persons with disabilities, and completion of Hurstville's East Walkway. This project is already underway with a new pedestrian bridge and soft trails Q0` supported with a Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield grant. 0 �aQo Crossing the Wapsi:Bridging History—Hale Bridge(circa 1879, r�^ originally connecting North and South halves of Hale Township) ,9 n r. Is a magnificent historic landmark In Jones County, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.The Bridge is famous for its II _., _ ,._.,_,. nearly unprecedented move(via Chinook Helicopter)to its current r P location in Wapsipinicon State Park, almost a decade ago. Time to finish the t � work to ensure this destination achieves its true economic potential as a cultural Icon. Here, we will construct a 2 mile trail for a true connection to Anamosa, a shelter, and additional amenities so all can take advantage of the truly unique '+ Hale Bridge. A Region of Innovators Iowa-First in the Nation Once Again We will break new ground nationally with this initiative to help visitors design their own highly-personalized experiences. (Canadian National Parks are among the firstto use these technologies).Dubbed"user-driven experiences,'we will build an affordable,tech-based method to integrate park,trail,cultural,event and other tourism information into a database shaped by a particular visitor's motivations and unique interests.This integrated approach to promoting the region's offerings will result in "itineraries" that give visitors and residents alike must-have experiences and lasting memories. Interpretive/ educational kiosks that reinforce this integrated information are included in this Initiative.This project is underway with additional research into the Canadian system.An RFP Is anticipated by November 2015. Engage. Reflect. Return. Whether you paddle,pedal,stride, ride or rest,our region has developed a national model of public-private partnership,inviting all to find their personal meaning and lasting memories with connections to: • dramatic,timeless landscapes, • historic communities and places, • inspiring parks and pathways, • local foods and agriculture, r =- • rivers,creeks,and lakes, • interpretive,educational,and '' �I • arts,culture,and history, recreational programs for all ages ! _ 1 L 1 The Grant Wood-Mississippi River Region is a multi-jurisdictional, bi-partisan, public-private partnership intended to create exceptional places and experiences for Iowans and visitors alike. We would like to thank the following for their support:The Iowa Legislature,the Iowa Parks Foundation,the Governor of Iowa,the Governor's Green Ribbon Commission and the many organizations that have made our planning effort possible: - i_r lYr i-iFiJi n7ra fr:ix err Ja,�n7'+� iry ran:rrrre�r l:l,:f�,rarnsr ®_a IOWAFARMBUREAU �-•JACKSONCOUNTYFARMBUREAU �_a JONES COUNTY FARM BUREAU JONES COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Community Foundation ?qq)AC$CaSreOnreNrr/lyCOUNTY � DWY�I 11OU - I of f,realer Oubvgna e C A S 1 N 1 Chaplain Schmitt Island Master Plan Dubuque, Iowa Adopted by Dubuque City Council on 71 i Prepared for: The City of Dubuque Prepared by: Cuningham Group Architecture,Inc. DRAFT 07/14/14 LA,kn.v4o,Iyem OW5 Acknowledgements Table of Contents Steering Committee 1.Executive Summary Laura Cartens,Planning Services Manager 2.Site Analysis Brian Southwood,Mystique CasinolMil Kyle Kritz,Associate Planner 3,Project Goals&Frameworks Maurice Jones,Etonanie Developnnent Director Marie Ware,Leisure Services Manager 4.Master Plan Steve Brown,Project Manager,Engineering Nate Kieffer,Laud Stirveyai Engineering Ken Tekippe,Finance Director Consultants Cuningham Group Architecture,Ine. AECOM Technical Services,Inc. Barr Engineering Company IG"ey-Horn and Associates,Inc. DRAFT 07/14/14 ® cunl acnnnv c n 1 . Executive Summary DRAFT 07/14/14 I.I'.%eCUllve$ulllolal'y Site History&Analysis History 1930 1940 19 so 1960 1970 1980 19 I 90 20 l 00 2010 i I NommYhbrrd CftyblanA Chnpbinklmguh/aM r � i e i 1 r Chaplain Schmitt Island,located on the Mississippi River in the City of Dubuque,Iowa,was carved from a channel backwater in the 1930s to allow river access for isl an industrial district.The Island began life as an airport ! \ dg1' Irl " n r during WWII and was then used as a dump through r', 1'" <!�i, •�,;. the 1970s.Beginning in the 1980s,it became the +.9` city's catch-all for a great variety of uses and activities, including recreation,gaming,and remembrance. 1930s 1950s 19905 Location/Site Analysis abe 119trasks levee Islmrd,.Wnds Cnslno Island.11ands Commeclal DI-ft shlppingchanno RR teaks Dubu9ue• Industry Leke Chaplain Srhmltt Island MississippFi elver- Wlswnsln- densaresidentlalnel9hba bands peasta melnrhannal sparse residential Channel development Chaplain Schmitt Island's location on the Mississippi River " Is responsible for both the site's amenities(views,recreation, wildlife)as well as its challenges for development(flooding, 1 ra regulations).While much of Dubuque is protected from the � !' , river's fluctuating water levels by s levee system,portions of the Island y are frequently inundated.Two different channels lend different t ' characteristics and opportunities to the two sides of the Island. 1119h Water Levels Two River Channels DRAFT 07/14/14 cu0 . . P a n o u e L Executive Summary Economic Base Dubuque's Workforce Is strong,productive,competitive,and growing. The City Is attracting people from other areas to shop and eat. Despite these positive Indicators, the housing production remains comparatively low. Workforce Productivity Labor Force and Unemplyment Unemployment Labor Force 3.5% s06 0 .SM 1.041 Ls% 2A90 2003 2000 7013 change In GOP/capita tint.2001 Dubuque Plays above it's wei ht Compared Dubuque$Labor force is strong and growing: to peer cities,Dubuque work["orce has Compared to peer cities,Dubuque workforce been increasingly more productive than its has been increasingly more productive than its neighbors. neighbors, Retail Market Performance Housing Permits as an%of 10 yr Avg ism Peer Cities la loons L2 ,1e; l pulfingretail Dubuque dollars into the R S commnlly 50% Pushing retail dollars chief am ih¢Nmmmally 2004 2013 People are coming to Dubuque to shop The rates of housing production remain and eat.The retag sector has become below average despite the strong emplyment increasingly strong over the past several years. Casino Implications Visits to Mysique Casino Despite Diamond./os expansion In 2009 seem from 17,000 to 27,000 sf,Mystique has maintained a competitive position. The b0000n vlsloloon, greater threat Is the growth ofVGAs In beyond6g Illinois and othergamhlg opportunities miles from beyond 60 miles, As a result,In e�mg Plrltslsem the future,Mystique Is likely to rely on a wlrhlow more local audience. More) miles 20r,ra 200099 2009-10 201011 DRAFT07/14/14 I, `a cualNnNn I a u n e v L Crop M1ivc Snmmai y Goals Connect the riverfront. 1e. • Make the island part of the larger regional walking and biking trail system, 0Make the island part of the larger river trail. ow ti* • Connect walkable areas along riverfront,with special focus on new investment areas. Celebrate the island's"isiandness". • Highlight special Island characteristics that will make it a unique place to visit and stay. • Accept frequent flooding-plan for and with It. • Clean up the river for plants and animals. Put your feet In. • Improve accessibility to the rivers edge. • Expand opportunities to get out on the river. • Allow access to special river habitats for education. A< Spend the day-and night[Visit in any season. • Bring new visitors to the island with new, complimentary development. • Interconnect existing and future uses so that visitors can spend more time on the Island. • Consider activities and events for all seasons,so visitors can use the island all year-round. coni DRAFT07/14/14 . x oa. " 1.Evullive SUlnawlY Master Plan:Three Areas 41 I., 1. � YJ��,...::-.•- ��,..., \, '�� Jf _; � ¢I(��, Lake Peosta Recreational Channel This Plan recommends threer+'r different areas on Chaplain �/ '' k / � -t +'' Schmitt Island,each with its own characteristics and uses. //r i Within the Lake Peosta Recreational Channel,the wooded, natural feel of the inner channel and Miller Riverview Park will he maintained and enhanced. r\r� _ P Opportunities to explore the woods and the water are expanded with hiking paths,habitat islands,anew {? l C boathouse and fishing piers. t wr ti� iy � The Casino will be expanded with Island Resort meeting and ball rooms,hotel, restaurants,and spa,creating aY, A�. destination resort and event center. The building and landscape will !t ! A Gt n ,lit, L� reach out toward and embrace the - i fTY a U river and the adjacent wetlands, Integrating itself with the island environment. .7Cy zT_ Pam Along the southern tip of the island � -- retail,housing,and recreation are mixed together to create awalkable, :' vibrant village.The open river view alongthe river walk create a friendly space where people will meet,cat, live and play. Marina Village DRAFT 07/14/14 ® CUtiP o u I. . . c r t.Pxxnlive Summary Master Plan (,J / �r•., h Public Beach / } IIFI+ • I#yI I I It �------___� Caslpo Bungalows ff - Marina Inn IV option l:Ilonslnrr Option 7aictail Optlon 3:Minor League Baseball Stadium 1 N DRAFT 07/14/14 I IF I . 0 u p i E j 3. Master Plan j i i i I I f DRAFT 07/14/14 i 3.Master Plan Chaplain Schmitt Island Master Plan g-a a7 a P. r'►t1 / r r:� err . 1� '. .• / s Qo,;, a r L, Lake Peosta Recreational Channel r�'L r 1 r � s ``�r s - /jf a eye` ��1 ` �f�1' r:,• r�`� r'� _ 4 Three Areas of the Chaplain Schmitt Island Master Plan Three Areas1" The Plan recommends developing the Island into three C"R` t8;� i �y }l i r distinct but related character areas. The purpose of �� defining these Character Areas is to guide changes and Island Resort investments on the island as they come forth over the upcoming decades. With channel Improvements and 77- _:.•�'a!t (�'�'' increased access to the waterfront,the west edge of the Island will become a water-based recreational area. Casino expansion,and Improved campgrounds and trails -- v. to- through the wetlands wig allow the north portion of the Island to become a unique island resort.The south half 5 a,�t r��{•. ; of the island will develop as a Marina Village with new , housing,retail,restaurants and recreational amenities.. ",F'' r�"� 'pT�`= C � Marina Village DRAFT 07/14/14 B cunr 0 e P n 1 a u v 3.Master Plan Chaplain Schmitt Island Master Plan r� r� I I' I / �/ 11 �I l l !L /i i • ,r i e. IM! 9` of 1. r � V Chaplain Sthnn4t Island Illustrative Master Plan DRAFT07/14/14 m CUNINGNaM c u u r I i ; I i 3b. Lake Peosta Recreational Channel I i I I i I I I DRAFT 07/14/14 3.Master Plan Lake Peosta Recreational Channel Existing Conditions k e}� C� `•' ', ' ` t The Peosta Channel is a man made Id tt ' 1,r channel,created in 1950's when the area wasdredged to create industrial land adjacent tot Kerper Boulevard. The Peosta channel Is considered I a back channel and not needed for river navigation and therefore itis � �. r�' �,•� not maintained and dredged by the ���j corps. Since It Is relatively calm and I safe water,the channel is used by boaters and anglers. The Dubuque m`a Water Sports Club has a lease for •- i a portion of the rivers edge(on the Island)that they use for launching, -ns dup staging and events watching. The °n'R,It _ Water Sports Club represent a range ofboaters and water enthusiasts, including dragon boaters, water skiers,and rowers kayakers and - !� My'tl Usc.shlu canoeists. The low bridge on the I dsp south end of the channel restricts large boats from using the channel. 1 i � ., ._ Levee 1� Oevel4pIng wuledp Islands Chaplaln5[ L• Island i Peosta Channel DRAFT 07/14/14 `'''' I curl oaunM 4 11 V 3.Master Plan Lake Peosta Recreational Channel 'Die cast edge of the island lined with wetlands;the west Recomendations edge of the channel is lined with a levee. A trail runs along the top of the levee;however there Is no access to The Plan recommends the western edge of the Island the water from the levee. and the Peosta Channel become a water-based recreation area. In order to accomplish this,investments In recent years,the channel has been silting up,creating have to be made to create a stable and calm water sandbars and islands that have further restricted larger environment for boating and swimming. 'Ihe Plan boats from using the channel, recommends dredging the channel to an appropriate depth and using the dredge materials to create stable Higgins Eye Mussels,an endangered species arc likely Islands on the north portion of the channel. Islands located at the southern edge of the channel.'There is a will help balance the hydraulics of the channel ensuring known mussel bed in the main channel across from the that Mussel habitat is protected while at the same time island, 'Iheir habitat requires relatively deep water with providing stable and relatively calm(but not still)water moderate currents. Adjustments to the channel must in the channel for recreational use. protect their habitat. LI t r Dock on Peosta Channel Water Sports Club Lease area Tnll r' 4 Z Pmsta Channel {:. NNINGNaM DRAFT 07/14/14 w a U 3.Master Plan Lake Peosta Recreational Channel New Islands located on the north side of the channel A public trail,fishing pier and beach should be located will create a calm boating environment for paddlers,and along the western edge of the island to create multiple other small boats. The new islands can be engineered access points to the water and viewing areas. for stability thereby reducing the need to dredge in the future. A new pedestrian bridge,located between the open water and the new islands,will increase access to all The south side of the channel can be developed with parts of the islands from the mainland. The bridge more open-water,suitable for water skiing,rowing and would connect into the local and regional bike trails, paddling races,and other recreational uses. allowing pedestrians and bicyclists a safe and convenient way to access the Island. A new boat house can be located along the shore line of the open water,towards the highway bridge. This location will allow the building to be set above the flood plain and will utilize existing parking that is currently underutilized. The Boathouse can be used to stage events,store boats,and provide amenities to the general public such a boat rentals. Ped/bike bridge Boathouse Riverside walk rf _ Kayaking around islands head) Parking lot green Infrastructure DRAFT 07/14/14 `U NINGHaM u a v 3.Master Plan Lake Peosta Recreational Channel (continued) { V4, , t � •s -�� 6 '.1 t "0#444�11.;R tr i� Proposed Improvements I, � ♦ A -. ballon r • Islands and narrowed channel slows water. rnb • Trails extended to island via ped/bike 9 bridge. • Open area in channel for water sports events. • Dredge material from open channel reused -"�- to create islands. • New larger boathouse in more accessible/ 1 /f' visible location. �'. • Event viewing walkways along river near ` ® boathouse. `;�' ' • Beach south of bridge. iy G • Stormwatermanagement for parking let. Illustrative Plan of Peosta Recreational Channel ruu DRAFT 07/14/14 f P u°axnn+ S.Master Plan Lake Peosta Recreational Channel (continued) Channel Modifications Waft4ankol Paofn[hannel laves devefaping Aevefap/ng trlondt nlondr Section:Peasta Channel Today puddlingand • 14hing A path, k ,�. r . 1F�•:rx e - Section DD:Peosta Channel after,(that Islands) 6oatingandfklln9 rvarchingo_ gathering Section AA:Peosta Channel after,(thru calm lake-like area) rr Yi/y'r1��/•� / .•f Yr 0• CUNING14AM DRAFT 07/14/14 a 0 U P 3.Mastef Plan Lake Peosta Recreational Channel (continued) � r� ,'>-'jMabitat Islands , R S anl I �4�dtJe� _.��.«_r'S—n•la�'��'���0' _�`���'. 4 _ n -� Openwaterfor '�' •� boating and skiing 'Baatho"se and spectator area Bird's Eye View of the Improved Peosta Channenhe Peosta Channel can become an outdoor recreation area for boaters,swimmers and anglers. ✓ v a ,f Sketch showing the new beach on the west bank of the Island connected to the � + Fa mainland via anew pedeshiau/bicycle bridge e I lly) CUNINeitaM DRAFT07/14/14 o ° "