Summary: The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) and associated projects in the Chicago, Illinois, area are part of a total water cleanup and flood control program estimated to cost about $8 billion.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which contributes about 75 percent of project costs, has already funded $667 million for construction of water pollution aspects. EPA funds will probably be available to complete the combined sewer overflow facilities but, with the current authorization, funds may not be available for the remaining wastewater treatment plant improvements. Congress has not yet approved funding for the Corps of Engineers to construct flood damage reduction features. The Corps prepared a preliminary study to determine federal interest in flood control aspects of the projects, and Congress conditionally authorized $12 million for a study of advanced engineering and design. The completion of all segments of the program is in doubt because of delays, high and escalating costs, and funding uncertainty. No one federal agency has oversight responsibility.
