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Commissioners approve next step in High Rock Lake dredging study and to seek federal support
Summary
Davidson County approved using savings from an earlier feasibility-study appropriation to pursue permitting for a dredging project on High Rock Lake and to press for broader federal funding; staff said the lowest-cost dredging option explored was about $35 million and that federal coordination will be required.
Davidson County commissioners on Sept. 22 agreed to advance the High Rock Lake dredging feasibility effort by using savings from a previously approved study to pursue permitting and to press for federal partners.
County staff said the board previously committed $150,000 toward engineering work with Rowan County; the presenters told the board about approximately $49,000 in savings from that appropriation. The request before the board was to use the remaining local savings to obtain a permit and progress toward design; staff described a range of dredging options and said the lowest-cost plan they are pursuing is about $35 million.
Speakers said the problem affects multiple jurisdictions along the Pee Dee River basin and that congressional engagement is needed. "McDowell's office is supposed to be working with Jason to get other congressmen who are in states up and down the river basin," a staff member said, noting drinking-water and navigation impacts downstream. Commissioners approved the request unanimously.
Staff described technical aspects at a high level: the option under consideration would hydraulically pump sediment from coves to nearby upland locations for processing and placement rather than removing all sediments to a single deep-water elevation. County staff and representatives said a permit in hand would help the region pursue larger federal funding programs and that additional engineering and environmental work remains to identify final scope and costs.
