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Subcommittee hears overview of state-owned dam repair funding and timelines
Summary
Energy and Environment Cabinet officials told a House subcommittee that $22.2 million is allocated to state-owned dam repairs, that some funds have been moved into projects, and that cost pressures and procurement timing could affect schedules, with Willisburg Lake Dam work expected to take about two years if uncomplicated.
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy on Jan. 14 heard from Energy and Environment Cabinet officials about the state approach to repairing state-owned dams.
Tony Hatton, Commissioner of the Department for Environmental Protection, and Cori Troutman, Director of the Division of Financial Management, told the subcommittee that funds are being managed through a state-owned dam repair pool and that some of the $22.2 million currently allocated has been moved into specific projects. Troutman said the Finance Cabinet must have all funds available before it can request bids, a sequencing requirement that affects project timing.
The presentations framed two key schedule and budget risks. Commissioner Hatton said actual repair costs may be higher than initial estimates because of inflation and other factors. Director Troutman added that completing designs too far in advance can cause delays in procurement, and that the timing of bids depends on the Finance Cabinet's readiness to solicit work.
Chair Representative Chris Fugate asked about the Willisburg Lake Dam specifically. Director Troutman said the process was initiated within the last year; Commissioner Hatton estimated that, absent complications, the process takes approximately two years from initiation to completion.
Subcommittee members pressed presenters on procurement turnaround and how project funds are being allocated. Director Troutman described the current flow of funds from the repair pool into active projects and the requirement that appropriated funds be in place before bid requests.
The subcommittee did not take formal action on the information presented. The panel scheduled its next meeting for Jan. 21, 2026.
