AUTHORIZING THE DECISION TO REMOVE / REPAIR HEMLOCK DAM AND AUTHORIZING THE LAND RESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO PROCEED WITH AN APPLICATION FOR THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MUNICIPAL DAM GRANT

The Hemlock Dam creates Hemlock Slough, located at Hemlock County Park, in the Township of LaValle, Sauk County, was constructed in 1964 for recreational purposes. During the months of August and September 2018, the dam sustained damages during a flooding event. Subsequently, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), gave the Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department an Administrative Order to Repair or Abandon Hemlock Dam. The WDNR must receive the decision to abandon or repair Hemlock Dam by August 30, 2019.

The Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department contracted with Ayres Associates to complete a removal/repair feasibility study for Hemlock Dam. The feasibility study was presented to the Land Resources and Environment Committee to aid in the decision making process to abandon or repair the dam. Sauk County can apply for a Municipal Dam Grant, administered by the WDNR for both removal and repair. The dam removal grant covers up to $400,000 of design and construction cost with no local cost share. The repair grant covers 50% of the first $400,000 and 25% of the next $400,000, up to a total project cost of $800,000. The grants are competitive; and there is no guarantee that one will be received.