The purpose of this report is to present the policies, standards and procedures used in the formulation and selection of the individual projects recommended for development in the Big Muddy River, Illinois, Basin. The basin plan is designed to meet the present and projected water-related, land-related, and socio-environmental needs for the next 50 years. These needs include flood control, drainage, land treatment to minimize erosion and sediment losses, low-flow augmentation, water-and land-related outdoor recreation, wildlife conservation and quality improvement of stream fisheries, redevelopment of the area's economic structure, and environmental quality control. The plan is developed in sufficient detail to serve as the basis for obtaining congressional authorization of those projects required within the next 10-15 years, as well as providing a flexible framework for long-range development and growth.

The purpose of this study was to establish a comprehensive yet flexible plan of improvement that would encourage the conservation development, and optimum uses of the basin's water and land resources; said improvements designed to assist in attaining a projected level of economic growth commensurate with the desired need to provide for the area's socila well-being and the improvement of its environment; and within this framework, set forth the action programs and additional studies necessary to meet the area's needs within the next 10 to 15 years.