I contacted Gary Johnson hydrologist/engineer for the USGS about the gauges and he said:
Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, the US Army Corps of Engineers has historically funded these (and other) gages, but they had a budget cut which necessitates the action. We were hopeful another agency might step forward to pay for them before the Sept 30 cutoff, but no luck so far. The cost is $16,300 per year to operate and maintain each gage. We are actively meeting with several agencies in hopes of reinstatement.
Thanks,
Gary
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Gary P. Johnson, Hydrologist/Engineer
https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/gary-p-johnson
USGS, Central Midwest Water Science Center
Associate Director for Networks
405 N. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
217-328-9720