Background

In 2023, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and Army Corps of Engineers released a draft report recommending the removal of dams along the Fox River, including Geneva. The agencies are assessing the feasibility of restoring the river connectivity and habitat for fishes, mussels and wildlife along a stretch of the Fox River from Algonquin to Montgomery.

The draft report considers three alternative plans to restore the river connectivity and habitat, including a no-action option. The recommendation involves the demolition, removal and disposal of the existing dam structures in Geneva and other communities.

The Geneva dam is owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The City of Geneva will not have final authority on the dam's future since the decision rests with the State. 

What To Know

Since 2023, the City has engaged in multiple conversations with IDNR and Army Corps representatives to seek clarification about the report and to determine accurate deadlines as the process moves forward. Here are some important facts to know:

• The City is not required to file a Letter of Interest with the State of Illinois proffering its decision to remove, redesign and retain the dam since the City is not the owner of the dam. The owner of the Geneva dam is the IDNR. 
• The IDNR & Army Corps held public hearings and accepted written comments in 2023. The feedback will be included in the Army Corps's final report, which is expected to be completed in late 2026 or early 2027.   
• As noted in multiple communications and conversations with residents, there is no cost to the City for dam removal. There would be significant costs to redesign and even more costs to retain the dam because those options require the City to accept ownership of the dam and all maintenance and liabilities associated with such ownership. The IDNR detailed the cost breakdown in a letter sent to the City.

The Army Corps has posted more information about the draft report on its website. The agency also sent a June 2024 letter to municipal stakeholders providing an update on Fox River connectivity and habitat study.

In fall 2025, the Army Corps provided another update and reached out to municipalities asking for support to continue its study of the Fox River dams. The City responded Nov. 4 with a non-binding letter of support for the study's continuation. The non-binding letter does not commit the City to an official position (or financial obligations) regarding the future of the IDNR-owned dam in Geneva.

The IDNR collected data at each of the dam locations and presented them to the Fox River Study Group in November 2025, including the Fox 519 DOR & VC and the Fox 519 Bathymetry. 

Water Infrastructure

Another issue for consideration is how any potential changes may impact existing water infrastructure that extends across the Fox River above the Geneva dam.

There are three crossings above the dam, one sanitary and two water mains that cross the Fox River. The sanitary main near Division Street has several feet of soil covering the pipe, with additional depth as it continues toward the channel. The two above dam water mains, and the remaining four (two water, two sanitary mains) below the dam appear to be installed below the riverbed based upon original design plans.

Once the final report and recommendation is received from the Army Corps, the City will consider what, if any, impact changes in the river’s water level could have on the stability of the ground in the Division Street location over the long term.

Next Steps

In spring 2026, the U.S. Army Corps will be hosting a 30-day public review period on the study and tentative dam recommendations. All the draft documents will be made publicly available on the Army Corps website along with details on how to provide public comment.

Feedback generated in the spring will be incorporated into the Army Corps' final report in late 2026 or early 2027. Upon receipt of the final report, the City will begin scheduling and hosting public meetings to seek input from residents. The City Council will distill the feedback to convey the City's preferred option to the State – removal, redesign or retention of the dam.  

The City will not take any action related to the IDNR-owned dam in Geneva until 2027, and only after the Geneva City Council has held public meetings for residents interested in sharing their opinions on this matter.