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LBWID readies dam armoring project after modeling, grant updates and state deposit
Summary
Lake Barcroft trustees reviewed updated downstream inundation modeling, consultant plans for geotechnical testing, and grant and budget items tied to an embankment armoring project, including a $500,000 state deposit and pending DCR and FEMA reimbursements.
Lake Barcroft Watershed Improvement District trustees on Aug. 4 reviewed progress on engineering and funding tied to an east and west dam embankment armoring project, including new inundation modeling and several grant reimbursements still pending.
Consultant GKY and Associates reported updated downstream inundation modeling that extends to the Potomac River and includes animated visualizations; the board scheduled a virtual review with GKY on Aug. 6 to discuss how the modeling can support additional funding. Whitman, Requart & Associates (WR&A) will coordinate geotechnical testing and drilling for the east and west embankments, possibly beginning in September, the board heard.
Trustees said they will present the updated modeling to Virginia's Division of Dam Safety in a virtual meeting planned for September. The District also noted a staffing change at the Division: Regional dam safety engineer Andrea Henry has been promoted to Chief Dam Safety Engineer, and Mark Killgore currently reports to her until a new regional engineer is assigned.
On funding, Treasurer Jim Simonson reported that $500,000 from the Virginia 2024–2026 biennial budget amendment was deposited into LBWID's Truist account on June 20, 2025 and is being held in reserves ahead of expected costs for the embankment work. LBWID is also awaiting $96,974.73 in reimbursement from a DCR Dam Safety grant for work in Quarter 1 and Quarter 2; that reimbursement was reported to be in the final approval phase as of July 30, 2025. Separately, a FEMA Dam Safety grant of $205,000 remains pending while other applicants finalize paperwork.
Trustees discussed using conservative investment choices for reserves and agreed to keep roughly three to four months of operating cash (about $350,000) in the District's Truist account while holding the state funds for the dam project. The board also reviewed the consulting arrangement with Bill Lecos and discussed adjustments intended to use his expertise more efficiently.
The board said LBWID will submit a two-year conditional dam recertification to Virginia's Division of Dam Safety by the end of August; the current conditional certification expires Nov. 30, 2025. No vote or formal procurement decisions were recorded at the meeting; trustees described these items as planning, coordination and compliance steps ahead of construction work.
