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Floyd County declares emergency and approves $50,000 contribution for Blackston's Mill Dam removal
Summary
Facing rapid erosion and heavy rain forecasts, Floyd County commissioners voted April 1 to declare an emergency and approve a contract that includes a $50,000 county contribution toward removal of the Blackston's Mill Dam and associated bank stabilization and restoration work.
Floyd County commissioners declared an emergency April 1 and approved a contract that includes a $50,000 county contribution to remove the Blackston's Mill Dam, begin permitting and stabilize an eroding bank near a bridge approach.
County attorney introduced the agreement as a contribution to a larger project to remove the dam and obtain necessary permits for demolition and restoration. Rachael/Horatio, the county engineer who monitored the site, told commissioners the dam's failure has redirected the creek and rapidly eroded the Clarksville bridge foundation. "The foundation of the Clarksville site has been eroding rapidly ... the only way to prevent ... collapsing the bridge ... is to bring the existing low head down," the engineer said, urging quick action because heavy rain was forecast.
The engineer said agencies consulted had advised against dumping riprap and recommended removal so the creek could return to a natural channel. Commissioners discussed the need to ensure dam removal and downstream work would not jeopardize an existing project to build a new bridge; the county had contracted an engineer to lead coordination with INDOT, the Department of Natural Resources, the Environmental Management Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Commissioners moved, seconded and voted to declare an emergency to enter the contract and then approved the contract itself by unanimous consent. The board and staff said removal and bank stabilization work could be completed in roughly five days for removal and a few additional days for bank work if agencies sign off and weather cooperates.
The county attorney indicated the $50,000 is the county's contribution to the total project cost; the full project cost and funding mix were not specified at the meeting.
