WHO IS THE SEWFRC?

The Southeastern Wisconsin Fox River Commission (SEWFRC) was established in 1997 by Wisconsin Act 27 (1997 - 1999 Budget Bill) in response to citizen and community concerns over water resource problems in the Fox River system. Under the 1997 Wisconsin Act 27, the SEWFRC was given the authority to carry out a number of programs and measures designed to improve water resource conditions in the Fox River system within the identified planning area.

The area of jurisdiction for the SEWFRC consists of the tributary drainage area to the 63.5-mile-long reach of the Fox River between the Illinois border and the northern limits of the City of Waukesha north of Moreland Boulevard. The tributary drainage area for the implementation planning area is 267 square miles.

The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission was charged with developing an Implementation Plan on behalf of the SEWFRC in 1997. The plan was adopted in March 1998, updated in September 2011 and still serves as a dynamic guide in assisting the Commission to conduct its work.

WHAT DOES THE SEWFRC DO?

The Commission has supported numerous projects within the planning area and has contributed approximately $1,680,000. million to projects that help improve the Illinois Fox River basin.

The Southeastern Wisconsin Fox River Commission does the following:

  • Initiate and coordinate surveys and research projects to gather data relating to the surface waters and groundwaters of the Illinois Fox River basin
  • Maintain a liaison with Federal, State, and local agencies and other organizations involved in protecting, rehabilitating, and managing water resources
  • Develop a public informational and educational program on issues related to the surface waters and groundwaters of the Illinois Fox River basin
  • Develop and implement plans or projects to:
    - Improve water quality and the scenic, economic and environmental value of the surface waters and groundwaters of the Illinois Fox River basin
    - Protect or enhance the recreational use of the navigable waters of the Illinois Fox River basin; and
    - Coordinate and integrate county programs or projects for the Illinois Fox River basin surface waters and groundwaters of Waukesha and Racine Counties
  • Develop and propose programs or projects to make improvements to the navigable waters of the Illinois Fox River basin
  • Create advisory committees as it considers necessary and
  • Promulgate rules necessary to implement the duties and powers granted to the Board of Commissioners

LATEST NEWS

COMMISSION CHAIR
Katelyn Bratz