IDNR Coastal Management Program 

GLWSC's Great Lakes Water Safety Jam Sessions on YouTube features eight 40-60 min. videos, each focused on a different area of water safety, including opening beaches in the wake of COVID-19, the impact of high water levels and beach erosion on safety, translating wave and current science into better forecasts and warnings, and lessons learned from consecutive drownings and Great Lakes hot spots (Chicago is a hot spot), and more. If videos aren't your thing, you can also check out their online resource 'A Few Things Everyone Should Know'. 
If you're looking for something a little more snappy, Chicago Adventure Therapy's Water Safety Talks on YouTube features seven 1-2 min. videos, including topics on Lake Michigan water levels, rip tides and currents, wind, and water temperature. 

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Public Review for Dredged Material Pilot Project Draft Feasibility Study
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District posted a draft feasibility report, Public Beach Protection in Four Illinois Coastal Communities Beneficial Use of Dredged Material Pilot Project, for a 30-day public review period that will end on Aug. 31, 2020.  
The purpose of this pilot project is to beneficially use dredged material from Waukegan Harbor to provide ecosystem restoration, shoreline protection, and recreation benefits in four Illinois coastal communities. This report documents the feasibility of the proposed activity and how it achieves the stated goals for the pilot program as outlined in the implementation guidance for Section 1122 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016.  The report builds upon the updated Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that the Chicago District completed for Waukegan Harbor maintenance dredging and placement in 2019. This 2019 EA and FONSI analyzed the affected environment of the placement locations and the environmental impacts of all of the measures that are being included in the current feasibility report. As such, the Chicago District is specifically seeking public input related to the plan development, evaluation, comparison, and recommendation presented in the feasibility report. The draft feasibility report, as well as the 2019 EA and FONSI, can be found here; A fact sheet summarizing the report can be found here.
Comments may be submitted by email to CELRC_Planning_Econ@usace.army.mil or mailed to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District ATTN: Planning Branch
231 S. LaSalle St. (Suite 1500) Chicago, IL 60604

Public Comment Period for Lake Co. Watershed Development Ordinance Amendments 

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) opened a 60-day public comment period on July 9 to collect feedback regarding 29 amendments, which are being proposed as additions to the Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO), a countywide ordinance that sets minimum requirements for the stormwater management aspects of development within Lake County.
Lake County is receiving significantly higher rainfall amounts, and precipitation is a critical factor on flood damage reduction, economic impact, infrastructure design and regulations, and on stormwater storage requirements for development sites. The goal of the WDO is to ensure that new development does not increase existing stormwater problems or create new ones by establishing minimum countywide standards for stormwater management, including floodplains, detention, soil erosion/sediment control, water quality treatment, and wetlands.
Comments may be submitted to Kelcey Traynoff at ktraynoff@lakecountyil.gov until Sept. 8, 2020. For more information, view the WDO Public Comment Packet or visit the website.

Shape the development of the National Climate Assessment
The U.S. Global Change Research Program is pleased to announce that the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) development process is officially underway. A newly released Federal Register Notice seeks public comment on the NCA5 Draft Prospectus, which describes the proposed overarching themes and framework for the report.
Public comments are also sought on ways to make the assessment information accessible and useful to multiple audiences; specific types of detailed information at regional scales that would be most useful to NCA5 readers; how to best describe risks and impacts, as well as potential opportunities to reduce those risks and impacts; suggestions for new approaches to topics addressed in previous NCAs; and suggestions regarding overarching themes that NCA5 should consider addressing.
All members of the public are encouraged to read the Draft Prospectus and submit their comments through USGCRP’s website by August 10, 2020. The feedback we receive will help shape the development of NCA5. Learn more about the Draft Prospectus and find out how to participate here

Funding Opportunities

IEPA Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the new Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) Program. The program will provide up to $5 million annually for projects to construct green infrastructure best management practices (BMPs) that prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments by decreasing stormwater runoff into Illinois' rivers, streams, and lakes. More information can be found on the IEPA website. Deadline to apply is August 21^st

NOAA Great Lakes Bay Watershed Education and Training Funding RFP
The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is seeking proposals under the Great Lakes B-WET program. Great Lakes B-WET is a competitive grant program that supports existing, high quality environmental education programs, fosters the growth of new, innovative programs, and encourages capacity building and partnership development for environmental and place-based education programs throughout the entire Great Lakes watershed (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). Successful projects provide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) for students and related professional development for teachers, while advancing regional Great Lakes watershed education priorities. The Great Lakes B-WET program is funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.   See full notice and apply at Grants.gov  search NOAA-NOS-ONMS-2021-2006522. Deadline to apply is August 21^st

MWRD Green Infrastructure Partnership Opportunity Program
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is accepting applications for the 2020 Green Infrastructure Partnership Opportunity Program. Local municipal, township, county agencies, park districts, school districts, and other local government organizations within MWRD's corporate boundaries may apply to fund projects that utilize green infrastructure. Application information, including eligibility requirements and instructions, can be found here. Deadline to apply is August 30^th

Policy Updates

The Moving Forward Act, (H.R.2) passed the House on July 1, which would provide $1.5 trillion for infrastructure projects. The legislation directs investments to green- and nature-based solutions for reducing stormwater pollution and protecting vulnerable infrastructure systems, among other areas. A recent blog post from Natural Resource Defense Council explains how the Act would effect water infrastructure. 
The U.S. House approved the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (H.R.7575) on July 29^th, which allows the US Army Corps of Engineers to advance water resources development, navigation, aquatic ecosystems restoration, and flood risk management in a way that will make the country more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Learn more here.  
June 30^th the House of Representatives' Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released a majority staff report detailing a legislative framework for climate action: Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and Healthy, Resilient, and Just America. The report is focused on emissions, clean energy, and environmental justice and includes key recommendations for protecting and restoring ocean, Great Lakes, and wetland ecosystems for climate mitigation and resilience. Follow the link to learn more, or check out the Environmental and Energy Study Institute’s recorded briefing and briefing highlights here.