Today, U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar and U.S. Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that the Army Corps of Engineers will receive $374,000 to help with necessary repairs of the Mount Zion Dam in Fulton County. Congress signed-off on the funding as part of the FY 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill this week.

 

The dam holds back 27 to 55 acres of water, depending on rainfall and flooding, and is currently in failing condition.  If the repairs are not made and the dam fails, water would flow into Lake Manitou, causing a flood in mere minutes. In addition, 62 percent of the entire tax revenue for the county comes from houses and businesses located on the lake. As a result of previous efforts by Donnelly and Lugar, the Corps of Engineers has begun the repairs process, but this additional funding is necessary to help them continue the job.

 

“This funding will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to continue work on the dam to improve public safety and ensure access for emergency services,” Lugar said.

 

“Securing funds for the repair of the Mount Zion dam has been a priority of mine since I took office,” said Donnelly. “These funds are an important investment in Fulton County’s infrastructure, and I was honored to work with Senator Lugar on this project.”

 

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