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Finance committee approves engineering study to investigate MacDill Dam seepage
Summary
Facing DNR directives and a July 2026 plan deadline, the committee approved funding for an engineering study to evaluate seepage found at the MacDill Dam in 2023 and to inform necessary repairs; members said more detailed information is needed before committing to costly repairs or shifting operations to the Lake District.
The Stevens Point Finance Committee on April 13 authorized a contract and funding for an engineering study to evaluate downstream seepage at MacDill Dam discovered during a 2023 inspection. Staff said the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has asked for repair plans by the end of July 2026, and the study will identify necessary repairs and produce documentation for DNR review.
A city representative described ongoing discussions with the Lake District about phasing the city out of operating the dam; while a transition is being discussed, committee members said the immediate priority is to determine the scope and cost of repairs. One member noted the dam is a community resource used by many residents and urged timely action to avoid repeating past problems.
Committee members agreed a study would provide the factual basis needed before making repair or transfer decisions. The motion to approve the engineering study was moved and seconded; the committee voted unanimously to proceed.
Staff said the study will define repair needs and expected costs; no repair budget was available at the time of the meeting. The study results will be shared with the Lake District and submitted to the DNR; subsequent repair contracts would return to the committee for approval.
