The city commission voted last night to move ahead with improvements to the 3rd Street dam. Stockwell Engineers, Inc. has recommended installing boulders on the downstream side of the low-head dam to remove the undertow.
The firm will receive $60,000 to design the project.
Commissioner Doug Kludt spoke in opposition to the project last night, citing the expense which includes several hundred thousand dollars in construction costs.
Kludt says while he agrees the area is a danger to residents, he doesn’t believe it is an emergency situation.
Commissioner Gary Harrington says the idea was to make the area a destination for fishing as well as improving safety.
Mayor Paul Aylward says he will not move ahead with fixing up the area until the safety concerns are address.
The commission voted 4-1 to authorize the mayor to sign the design agreement. The city hopes to begin construction on the project this fall provided there is room in the budget. Funding assistance will be requested from the James River Water Development District.