SJRA 10/01/2008 Dam update

On Thursday, September 25th, after completing a gradual, one week lowering of the lake level from 201 MSL to 200 MSL, SJRA personnel and engineers from Freese & Nichols, Inc., conducted a second analysis of the dam and documented areas of riprap and blanket material that were damaged or exposed during Hurricane Ike. Freese & Nichols is currently studying various alternatives for repairing and/or upgrading the dam, and it is anticipated that they will present their findings to the SJRA sometime within the next week or two.At this time, the SJRA does NOT have any immediate plans to lower the lake further to conduct additional inspections or repairs. Right now we are holding at approximately 200 MSL until Freese & Nichols completes its study. After the engineers present their report, a repair method will be selected, and then engineering design, bidding, and contractor selection would begin. IF any further lowering is required to do the repairs, and IF the amount of necessary lowering is significant, then at that time an aggressive public information campaign would be undertaken to inform boat owners. But right now, there is no immediate need for boat owners to move their boats.We will continue posting information on this web site in an effort to provide the public with up-to-date, accurate information. We are also preparing a modification for this web page that will allow you to register an email address so that we can send you periodic email updates.