(505 ILCS 140/0.01)

(from Ch. 19, par. 128.01)

Sec. 0.01.

Short title.

This Act may be cited as the

Watershed Improvement Act.

(Source: P.A. 86‑1324.)

(505 ILCS 140/1)

(from Ch. 19, par. 128.1)

Sec. 1.

The General Assembly of the State of Illinois finds that watershed protection offers a sound approach to flood prevention, provides proper management for surface water resources and for the maximum development of surface water storage for municipal, industrial, agricultural and recreational uses for all citizens of the state, reduces the siltation of streams and lakes and helps to maintain stable normal water levels in our streams for navigation and other uses.

(Source: Laws 1957, p. 2445.)

(505 ILCS 140/2)

(from Ch. 19, par. 128.2)

Sec. 2.

When used in this Act:

"Department" means the Department of Agriculture of the State of Illinois.

"Local Watershed Organization" means and includes soil conservation districts, subdistricts of soil conservation districts, river conservancy districts, drainage districts, counties and other local governmental agencies of the state of Illinois.

"Watershed Works of Improvement" or "Works of Improvement" means and includes farm terraces, diversion terraces, grassed waterways, gully control and grade stabilization structures, farm ponds, flood detention reservoirs and such other soil and water management practices as meet the technical standards of the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.

"Approved Watershed" means any watershed which has been approved by the Governor of Illinois and the United States Department of Agriculture as qualifying for assistance under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954 enacted by the Congress of the United States.

(Source: Laws 1957, p. 2445.)

(505 ILCS 140/3)

(from Ch. 19, par. 128.3)

Sec. 3.

The Department of Agriculture is authorized to enter into agreements with any agency of the United States or with any local watershed organization or organizations as may be necessary to furnish surveys, engineering and assistance in planning for works of improvement in any approved watershed in this State and for maintaining watershed works of improvement which are constructed primarily for retaining surplus rainfall. The Department may request the State Soil Conservation Districts Advisory Board to review the plans for improvement and maintenance of each watershed and to advise the Department concerning the feasibility of the respective plans and projects.

(Source: Laws 1957, p. 2445.)