Proposed site for STAR bonds development in American Bottom floodplain.

Described variously as “TIF on steroids” or “Worst Bill Ever,” Illinois Senate Bill 1909 – the STAR Bonds Financing Act – gives money to private developers at Illinois state taxpayers’ expense to develop in the 100-year floodplain because “such sites are more likely to remain underutilized and undeveloped.” Eligible sites must be vacant and no less than 600 acres, at least 30 per cent of which is in the 100-year floodplain.

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The federally-mandated State Wildlife Action Plans are the first nationwide attempts to focus on preserving the habitat that all wildlife needs for survival. The plans are a major shift away from preserving single species to a strategy that would preserve the habitat necessary to prevent the loss of entire networks of interconnected wildlife.

Illinois’ Wildlife Action Plan identifies 32 Conservation Opportunity Areas (COAs), which are unique in regards to topography and wildlife. In some COAs, intense agriculture production will be the main challenge, while in others it may be the existence of waterways that have been heavily modified in a way that has destroyed natural habitat. {Continue Reading »}