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Clay County approves application to Army Corps to study dredging of Rocky Hollow Lake
Summary
Parks Director John Davis and grants coordinator Cynthia Connors asked the commission to approve applying for an Army Corps Water Resources Development Act grant to study and potentially dredge Rocky Hollow Lake; commissioners approved applying 4-0 and were given estimated cost scenarios and match requirements.
Clay County commissioners voted unanimously to approve an application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a Water Resources Development Act grant to study and potentially dredge Rocky Hollow Lake.
John Davis, the county parks director, said the lake — created in 1970 and now suffering substantial sediment build‑up — is likely at about half of its original capacity and that the project would either fully restore or partially dredge the lake depending on funds awarded. "It's to dredge Rocky Hollow Lake," Davis said.
Grants coordinator Cynthia Connors outlined a two‑phase proposal: the Corps would pay the first $100,000 for a feasibility study; subsequent feasibility work would be a 50/50 split and, if the project moves to construction, the county could be responsible for about 35% of the construction cost (the Corps allows some in‑kind services to count toward local match). Cost scenarios presented to the commission included an estimated $5.8 million for a full dredge (about 236,000 cubic yards), roughly $4.0 million for a 125,000 cubic‑yard substantial dredge, and about $3.1 million for a 60,000 cubic‑yard partial dredge.
Commissioners stressed the project is optional: submitting the grant application would not oblige the county to accept or fund the full project if awarded. Commissioner Carpenter asked whether the expenditure was justified; Davis replied the lake performs flood‑control functions as part of the Williams Creek/Fishing River watershed and said maintenance is important to preserve that role.
The commission voted to approve application item 2025372 on a 4‑0 roll call. Several commissioners welcomed the county's new grants coordinator and noted the proposal’s timeline — awards would likely be notified next year with construction funding not expected until 2027 or 2028 — allowing any awarded work to be planned into future budgets.
Next step: staff will submit the application; if the county is selected it will later decide whether to accept and fund the construction phase. The feasibility study funding structure, in‑kind match options and timeline were identified as material follow‑ups to be tracked if the grant is awarded.
