WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2005—U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Bruce Knight today authorized federal
assistance for the rehabilitation of three dams in Virginia at an estimated cost
of $4.1 million. The work performed on these dams will ensure the projects
continue to serve Virginia residents safely for the next 50 years.
“These watershed projects are wise conservation investments that will help local
communities with additional flood mitigation,” said Knight. “Through our
cooperative
conservation efforts, they will provide environmental benefits and protect
communities
from future natural disaster threats.”
The projects in this announcement are Robinson Hollow Dam, Thomas Branch Dam
and Inch Branch Dam in the South River Watershed in Augusta County, Va. The
Robinson Hollow and Inch Branch Dams were built in 1956 and the Thomas Branch
Dam was built in 1957. The rehabilitation of these dams will reduce the threat
to more than 1300 people who live in 263 homes downstream from the dams, as well
as provide continued protection of 29 roads, 13 bridges and 10 business
structures. The projects will provide $179,000 in monetary benefits each year
for the next 50 years. The Federal Government will pay 65 percent of the total
cost of the projects.
“I am pleased we were able to work together to secure federal funding for this
vital dam rehabilitation project, said Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia.
“The Robinson Hollow, Tom Branch and Inch Branch dams, which are all in
desperate need of repair, are instrumental in protecting the folks of Augusta
County and their property from disastrous flooding.”
Work on these projects is being conducted as authorized by the Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention Act (Public Law 83-566) at the initiative of
citizens of Virginia. Locally, the project is being sponsored by the Headwaters
Soil and Water Conservation District, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors
and the City of Waynesboro.
Authorized rehabilitation for each of the dams will include: raising the tops of
the dams by 4 to 5 feet with a concrete parapet wall, armoring the auxiliary
spillways with
articulated concrete blocks, replacing the existing square risers with
rectangular risers,
and widening the northern auxiliary spillway by 5 feet (Robinson Hollow Dam
only).
Installation is expected to take two years.
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The Natural Resources
Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help
people
conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.
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