Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Dam Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Patrick County seeks state dam‑safety grants to address deficient spillways at Ararat watershed dams
Summary
County engineers classified Dams #2, #28 and #63 as high-hazard and found principal spillways under-capacity; the board authorized submitting competitive DSFPPAF grant applications and committed to covering up-front costs for design and construction as required for reimbursement grants.
Erosion & Sediment Control/Stormwater Manager Mark Vernon told the board that engineering and regulatory review reclassified Ararat watershed Dams #2, #28 and #63 as high-hazard and found principal spillways unable to meet the 90% Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) standard (examples cited: Dam #2 passes ~64% of required capacity; Dam #28 passes ~87%; Dam #63 passes ~63%). Vernon outlined two projects needed to meet Virginia Dam Safety Act requirements: (1) trash-rack replacement, dredging and low-level drain gate repair/replacement with Bidding & Construction Administration budgeted at $215,000 and contractor services estimated at $672,000; and (2) a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for spillway capacity upgrades, budgeted at $1,061,000.
Because DSFPPAF grants are reimbursement-based and competitively awarded, Vernon recommended submitting multiple grant applications (one per dam and project type as required). The board approved submitting 2026 DSFPPAF applications and adopted resolutions committing to appropriate 100% of project cost up-front (to qualify for reimbursement), and authorized the county administrator to sign and file applications. Vernon said awarded projects must be completed within 24 months of a signed grant agreement and that awards are not guaranteed.
