Council discusses Webster Lake dam funding options; ARPA committee recommends hydrologic study support
November 15, 2024 | Kosciusko County, Indiana
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Background and proposal: The Webster Lake group initially requested $336,000 to help create the Conservancy District and related tasks. The ARPA committee discussed contributing to the hydrologic study portion of that request — identified at $186,000 — as a targeted contribution that would allow the community to complete necessary engineering work to form a district.
Discussion and options: Council members and ARPA committee members debated whether ARPA funds are the appropriate source, or whether the county’s edit or rainy‑day fund might be more suitable. Participants noted ongoing litigation and past contract issues with the DNR and the town of North Webster over responsibility for dam maintenance. The ARPA committee said its members would raise the issue with the commissioners and that council consideration could occur in a subsequent meeting (the presenter suggested December for further action).
Why it matters: The dam at Webster Lake affects water levels and the risk of downstream flooding; forming a conservancy district and completing hydrologic study work are prerequisites to defining long-term repair responsibilities and funding.
Next steps: No appropriation was made at this meeting; ARPA committee and commissioners will continue to review funding sources and the potential for a repayable arrangement or use of rainy‑day funds; council to consider formal action at a later meeting if the funding pathway is clarified.
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