The Woodhaven Property Owners Association residents filed for a funding appeal for dam repairs to the New Kent County’s Board of Supervisors. However, the supervisors declined to offer financial help.
At-Risk Kent Lake Dam
The Woodhaven Property Owners Association (WPOA) fronts onto Kent Lake. However, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has told them that the 1959-built dam under Lakeshore Drive is at risk of failing. The spillway and dam are not compliant with state regulations. Thus, they must be brought to compliance to avoid getting a violation notice.
According to resident Randy Buchanan, the dam has caused anxiety in the community for over 15 years. The neighborhood has 500 homes, and the homeowners pay for road maintenance. However, the new regulations have made dam repairs out of reach.
The dam’s failure is considered a “high hazard.” It could flood homes and wipe out Route 60. According to Holly Berry, the HOA secretary, the state agency told WPOA it needed to increase the spillway size and upgrade the roadway several years prior. The community is seeking state and federal grants to fund the repairs.
Funding Appeal for Dam Repairs
The Quinton community packed the meeting of the Board of Supervisors on March 11. They filed for a funding appeal for dam repairs to get a bid for grant funding. The construction, design, and engineering costs are approximately $1.5 million.
WPOA sought a $975,000 federal grant, which would cover roughly 65% of the project. They are also seeking a state grant that needs 50% matching funds. According to County Administrator Rodney Hathaway, under the grant, the state and county would both pay $262,500.
While the county should only pay 10%, it must front the total cost and seek a $1.27 million reimbursement after the grants are awarded. The application deadline was March 15, and the association needed financial assurance from the county before applying. According to Berry, the DRC could force the neighborhood to drain the lake if the dam repairs fail.
Appeal Declined
The Board of Supervisors declined the funding appeal for dam repairs on March 11. No formal vote was taken. According to Thomas Evelyn, the board chair, the DCR will not make the community drain the lake anytime soon, and the department is targeting dams throughout the state.
Meanwhile, Supervisor John Moyor says the county should be able to recover the money. He advocated applying to the Central Virginia Transportation Authority to improve the road above the dam.
Supervisors Amy Pearson, Evelyn, and Moyor oppose the funding appeal for dam repairs. Meanwhile, Jordan Stewart and Ron Stiers supported the community residents.
Stewart warns that the county would lose millions in waterfront real estate taxes if the community drains Kent Lake. He says it is part of their responsibility to care for the people as they constantly boast that they are the fastest-growing locality.
