Flood Management and Rehabilitation of the Kinnickinnic River

The Kinnickinnic River (KK River) watershed is Wisconsin’s most urbanized watershed with a history of flooding and dangerous channel conditions along miles of streams lined with concrete. MMSD and area partners have developed a KK River watershed plan with projects to reduce flood risk to over 700 homes and businesses, replace the concrete lining along seven miles of river channel with a natural stream design, and revitalize community spaces along the waterways. The cost estimate for these projects is estimated at over $400 million and will take many years to complete. Work is underway with several projects along the KK River and tributary streams. This includes projects completed on the KK River downstream of S. 6th Street and in Pulaski Park.

The latter was a highly successful project with Milwaukee County that showed the benefits the partnership between the two agencies can have as they tackle several of the watershed projects on County parkland. However, more importantly, the key element that will lead to long term success of these projects has been the ongoing engagement of the community through the life of these projects. For this engagement, MMSD has partnered with the Sixteen Street Community Health Center (SSCHC). SSCHC recognizes the community health benefits realized from these project improvements. SSCHC’s understanding of the community helps MMSD engage project neighbors to grow a sense of stewardship between the neighborhoods and the KK River.