Koontz Lake Dam Construction Project Approved

State Representative, Nancy Dembowski (D-Knox), said the State Budget Committee approved a $5.8 million project for the major reconstruction of the Koontz Lake Dam.

The committee gave its approval during a Tuesday meeting at the Statehouse. The project will correct water seepage problems as well as upgrade the spillway to meet current standards.

Dembowski said that state crews worked to stabilize the dam’s northwest embankment in 2008. They cleared trees and brush, then placed about 100 cubic yards of stone over a geo-textile fabric on the embankment.

The dam was constructed in 1849. However, the granular materials were not properly placed. In some areas, there is low strength. When state officials discovered the seepage problem, as well as other dam safety issues, $2 million was appropriated in the state’s 2005 General Fund for a portion of the project. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is dedicating another $1.6 million for repairs and upgrades. In addition, the Indiana Department of Transportation will fund the remaining $2.2 million, which will be used for the reconstruction of State Road 23, which runs along the top of the dam, a great foundation repair Ottawa Company along with other companies offered to help on dam construction.