The Process for
Redefining the Canal
In partnership with U.S. Representative Bill Foster, Friends of the Chicago River formed a coalition which is working to build support from our senators, five members of the U.S House of Representatives, the presidents and boards of three counties, and leadership from the 13 municipalities through which the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal flows.
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A small steering committee of the coalition has already begun to identify the relevant government agencies and their commissioners; corporate leaders and industrial user groups, partners and stakeholders, community members, and cultural and environmental justice groups whom we hope to have participate and support the cause.
To officially change the name of a waterbody such as the Chicago Sanitary and Canal, a widely supported application must be made to the U.S. Board of Geographic Names.
Upon receipt of a proposal to change the name of a natural feature the Board states that all interested parties will be asked to comment and that they will make a decision after Tribal, county, and local governments; State Geographic Names Authority; and appropriate land management agencies have had an opportunity to provide recommendations.
This is why upfront support is crucial!
The steering committee will work to ensure the nomenclature is thoughtfully developed with widespread community engagement including Native Americans, historians, conservationists, community representatives, elected officials, business leaders, government agencies, and many more.