Vermont Delegation
Secures Another $4 Million
For Waterbury Dam Repairs

WASHINGTON (Thurs., Nov. 8) – The members of the Vermont Congressional Delegation announced Thursday that needed repairs to Waterbury Dam will continue with another $4 million in federal funds. The funds, secured by Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sen. Jim Jeffords, and Congressman Bernie Sanders in the annual Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for the federal fiscal year that began Oct. 1, build upon the $2 million they secured last year to begin design and planning of the project. Congress passed and President Bush is expected to sign the bill this week.

"I think we are all breathing a little easier and now can begin looking forward to full repair of the dam," said Leahy, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "The sooner we finish these repairs, the sooner we ensure the safety of Waterbury Dam for the use of all Vermonters."

Senator Jeffords said, "We must reestablish the important flood control function of this structure as soon as possible to guarantee public safety. Also, thousands of people use this site, which is one of the State’s premier recreation facilities. We need to complete the project as soon as possible so that Vermonters can enjoy this fantastic resource and local business can once again benefit from their visits."

Congressman Sanders said, "I am pleased that we were able to include federal funding for vital safety repairs to the Waterbury Dam. This funding will help ensure the safety of tens of thousands of Vermonters in the Winooski River Valley. Immediate work towards the repair of the Waterbury Dam remains a high priority for my office."

The $4 million is one of several installments for the repair, estimated to cost about $20 million over the next three years. The Vermont Congressional Delegation made federal funding for Waterbury Dam a top priority this year, requesting it in the base Army Corps annual budget and securing the funds in the annual appropriations process.

Severe structural flaws were originally, but unknowingly, built into Waterbury dam in 1935. Various repairs of the dam have been made since its construction, but an immediate, comprehensive, multi-million dollar repair was recommended in the August 2000 Army Corps of Engineers Dam Safety Assurance Program Evaluation Report. Concerns about potential failure of the dam led to the immediate drawdown of water levels behind the dam last summer and a successful push by the congressional delegation to promptly secure planning and design funds.

The schedule developed by the Army Corps would make all repairs at the dam complete by the fall of 2004. During the 2002 repairs, water levels at the dam will have to be lowered to 520 feet, below the usual 550 to 590 feet depth range. This drawdown will allow major repairs to begin. Repairs in 2003 and 2004 would occur with the reservoir kept at "winter pool" levels of 550 feet, which would allow boating and other recreation to continue as work is completed. At the same time, the Corps will undertake bank stabilization to reduce shoreline erosion.