Local commissioners discuss Ocklawaha/Rodman dam bill; mixed local reaction and hold on city action

Council Member Paluso briefed the Waterways Commission on a state-level bill intended to breach the Robbin/Robin (Ocklawaha) dam to allow the river to flow freely into the St. Johns. Paluso said the bill would create a council to provide state funding for projects in the Putnam region and that while many local leaders support the plan, some in Putnam County have objected and media coverage has been used against the bill in places.

Paluso told the commission the intention was to support a legislative approach that would benefit multiple counties along the St. Johns River. "The free flow of the Ocklawaha is something that is…environmental and ecological and economically valuable," he said. He also noted uncertainty about whether the governor would sign the bill and said the city may defer its own action until state committees advance the legislation.

Council Member Gay reported he had discussed the bill with state sponsor Wyman Duggan and felt encouraged by the responses; Gay also raised concerns about the age of the dam and potential hurricane-related failure risks, meaning structural assessments will be important if the bill moves forward.

Commissioners agreed a brief informational presentation from the Riverkeeper or the water management district (and possibly a structural engineer) would be useful at a future meeting to provide technical context for any local advocacy or formal position.

No formal action was taken by the commission on the bill during the meeting; commissioners discussed whether to defer city-level endorsement pending state legislative outcomes and further technical information.