Letter to the Editor: Why Should Anyone Care About the Wilmette Harbor?

With the exception of the 300 or so folks who keep a boat there, it’s easy to overlook the importance of Wilmette Harbor.

That’s because by approving the leasing agreement with the Wilmette Harbor Association (WHA) earlier this month, the MWRD will save Cook County taxpayers more than $500,000 in annual maintenance costs, reduce the risk of flooding in homes and streets across the county, and help to ensure the cleanliness and quality of Lake Michigan water.

Without an agreement or tenant in place, the Wilmette Harbor would have had to close its gates at the end of the month. That would have forced the MWRD and Cook County taxpayers to assume the costs and liability associated with the harbor along with shouldering the necessary public safety measures and public health concerns.

The dredging provided by the WHA keeps the waterway clear by preventing sand from blocking the flow of water into the North Shore Channel of the Chicago River and away from the lake. The critical importance of this operation was highlighted just recently when the MWRD reversed the flow of the river at Wilmette Harbor to provide relief to flood-ravaged areas due to record rainfall.

The dredging allows the flow of water into the North Shore Channel, keeping the water from becoming stagnant and creating health issues. That process protects water quality, which is particularly at issue now with the lake water level at a record low.

A non-profit entity, the Wilmette Harbor Association won MWRD’s competitively bid RFP under guidelines set forth by state statute. Out of three respondents, MWRD staff determined the WHA was the only “financially responsive” bidder and was the only qualified “responsible” bidder with experience managing and operating a harbor. The MWRD was thorough in its process, and only after careful review did commissioners vote unanimously in favor of awarding the agreement to the WHA.

Under the terms of the agreement, the MWRD will readjust the harbor’s lease annually in relation to the consumer price index and will reassess the terms of the lease and redefine its value after 10 years to ensure that Cook County taxpayers are getting the best possible deal.

In addition, the new agreement means that the harbor will begin generating annual revenue for Cook County. Meanwhile, the WHA will continue to dredge the harbor annually at its own expense, provide it with 24-hour attention and service and make regular improvements, which average approximately $100,000 each year, to ensure the integrity of the harbor.

You might not know much about Wilmette Harbor, but know that it plays a critical role in providing efficient and cost-effective services for Cook County taxpayers that reduce the threat of flooding and ensure the purity of the water. The WHA looks forward to protecting our environment and continuing its partnership with the MWRD and Cook County residents – now and for years to come.

Sincerely,

Jim Dominik

President, Wilmette Harbor Association’s Board of Directors