Kevin Rexroat, engineering and infrastructure director for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, told the Scott County Fiscal Court on July 11 that the agency intends to remove the Great Crossing lowhead dam, likely this fall, citing safety concerns and ecological benefits. Rexroat said the agency owns the dam and holds necessary permits, including sign-offs from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Kentucky Division of Water, and has a partner crew from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that can perform removal with limited disturbance.

Rexroat described the planned demolition and in-stream redistribution of material: crews would process concrete and rock with equipment (a “Hohram”) to create a braided crest and cobble channel that preserves a navigable center channel for kayaks and canoes and distributes material beneficially along the county bank. He estimated on-site work to be brief — about two weeks within an appropriate low-flow window — and said the agency will reclaim disturbed soils and re-vegetate banks per regulatory requirements.

The court discussed public-use impacts: Magistrate Rob Jones and others asked whether park use would decline and what would happen to the existing boat ramp and to local users such as a golf course that pumps water from the Elkhorn. Rexroat said he expects overall park use levels to remain similar but redistributed along a more natural stream, and that the ramp “is not going anywhere.” He said Fish and Wildlife has surveyed the pump and discussed locations with the golf course superintendent and pump vendor; modifications would be possible if needed.

Judge Covington said the court previously pursued a hazard mitigation grant for a $3 million rock ramp solution but the grant was unsuccessful; he said county efforts to retain the dam were explored but not feasible. Several magistrates voiced safety concerns and support for removal; Magistrate Rob Jones opposed the temporary access agreement. The court voted to grant temporary access to Fish and Wildlife for the removal work; the motion passed with one opposition.

Actions: the court approved a temporary access agreement to allow Fish and Wildlife to stage and perform removal work on county property, with conditions discussed about reclamation and timing. Rexroat said removal could occur before fall depending on weather and flows.