IL SB3178

Establishes the Rivers of Illinois Coordinating Council as the successor to three separate councils: Illinois River Coordinating Council, Mississippi River Coordinating Council, and Wabash and Ohio River Coordinating Council.

Council consists of 20 voting members including the Lieutenant Governor as Chairperson, heads of 6 state agencies (Agriculture, Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resources, Transportation, and Historic Preservation Division), 4 federal/research entities, and 9 members from local communities and not-for-profit organizations.

Council members serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for travel expenses; local representatives serve 2-year terms with initial appointments split between 2-year and 1-year terms.

Council shall review state and federal agency activities affecting Illinois rivers, work with local communities on watershed partnerships, optimize fund expenditures, advise the Governor on coordination and project priorities, and encourage development of watershed management plans.

Repeals the Illinois River Watershed Restoration Act, Mississippi River Coordinating Council Act, and Wabash and Ohio Rivers Coordinating Council Act, consolidating all powers and duties into the new unified council.