At the signing, Commissioner Scaggs said how pleased he was to hear that one day the lake will return to its full 100 acres capacity.
“It has always been a popular place for people to fish in kayaks and jon boats, and I look forward to doing it again,” Scaggs said.
Technical studies on the site began in 2014 after serious safety issues were identified with the dams. The lake was then claimed for public safety in 2015. Since then, several public meetings have been held, additional technical studies have been conducted on site, and public scoping has occurred. After reviewing all of the information, a decision was made to select an alternative that would keep the water surface at 100 acres, handle water flow rates associated with a probable maximum flood event, and withstand the effects of a maximum probable earthquake.
Becky Ewing is the District Ranger of the Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District and has been since 2013.
“I’ve worked with the Ironton and Fredericktown communities and user groups since the issues were first identified in 2013 and I’m so glad we made this decision so we can get this project started on the ground,” said Ewing.
Ranger Ewing added that a 65% structural design for the new dam has already been completed for this selection and a 100% design is expected by the end of this summer.
