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An important concern to the Great Lakes region are the impacts
that urban land use practices have on the quantity and quality of
the water resources. Increasing development and urban sprawl places
additional demands on drinking and wastewater systems.
The growth of the region's economy provides increasing benefits to
Illinois and Indiana. This growth, however, also imposes costs on
society—costs that might not be readily apparent to those making
land use change decisions. The expansion of commercial, industrial,
and residential areas into agricultural lands or open space will
bring changes in the way that water is allocated in the region.
An increased need for water services will require increased public
expenditures to develop the necessary infrastructure. Additionally,
the disposal of waste is expanding, requiring mitigation and
remediation of waste in the region’s watersheds. Land use changes
are leading to increases in non-point source loading, impacting
water quality throughout the region. Decision makers and citizens
must understand the long term costs to society of land use choices.
The coastal areas of Illinois and Indiana provide many recreational
opportunities, including fishing, boating, beach going, and nature
hiking. A measure of the economic value of these opportunities is
not available to local and regional authorities. This lack of
information makes it very difficult for municipal officials to make
choices that effectively and sustainably balance the competing goals
of conservation of coastal ecosystems and the development of coastal
areas.
Short- and long-range planning is a positive step toward reaching
goals and making difficult policy decisions. Unbiased, science-based
information is necessary for the planning process.
Goal
- Enhance the quality of life in Illinois and Indiana by supporting
ecologically sound and sustainable coastal economic development
Funded Research
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