FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Walkers Dam Information Meeting Scheduled

Newport News Waterworks has scheduled a public information meeting to update citizens on the final phase of construction to Walkers Dam on Tuesday, December 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the New Kent County Administration Office at 12007 Courthouse Circle.

Newport News Waterworks has scheduled a public information meeting to update citizens on the final phase (Phase II) of construction to Walkers Dam on Tuesday, December 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the New Kent County Administration Office at 12007 Courthouse Circle.

The dam failed in 2007. Emergency repairs were made and the dam was stabilized. It was repaired within a year at a cost of $4 million. When the dam failed, however, the boat lock and fish ladder were irreparably damaged. The final phase of construction, expected to begin in late spring of 2010, will rehabilitate the entire structure and replace the lock and ladder. The estimated cost of Phase II is $15 million.

Waterworks staff will review the final design of Phase II and answer any questions at the December 15 meeting.

Anticipated Project Timeline
May 2009 – Preliminary design submitted to Waterworks
End of 2009 – Final design complete
Early 2010 – Bidding for construction work
Late Spring/Early Summer 2010 – Construction begins (anticipated to take 18-24 months)

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