USDA Authorizes Rehabilitation of Three Virginia Dams

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2005—U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Bruce Knight today authorized federal assistance for the rehabilitation of three dams in Virginia at an estimated cost of $4.1 million.  The work performed on these dams will ensure the projects continue to serve Virginia residents safely for the next 50 years. 

“These watershed projects are wise conservation investments that will help local

communities with additional flood mitigation,” said Knight. “Through our cooperative

conservation efforts, they will provide environmental benefits and protect communities

from future natural disaster threats.”

The projects in this announcement are Robinson Hollow Dam, Thomas Branch Dam and Inch Branch Dam in the South River Watershed in Augusta County, Va.  The Robinson Hollow and Inch Branch Dams were built in 1956 and the Thomas Branch Dam was built in 1957.  The rehabilitation of these dams will reduce the threat to nearly 1000 residents, the occupants of 3,700 daily vehicle trips, as well as provide continued protection of 191 homes, 16 roads, 10 bridges and 10 business structures.  The projects will provide $179,000 in monetary benefits each year for the next 50 years.  The Federal Government will pay 65 percent of the total cost of the projects.

“I am pleased we were able to work together to secure federal funding for this vital dam rehabilitation project, said Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia. “The Robinson Hollow, Tom Branch and Inch Branch dams, which are all in desperate need of repair, are instrumental in protecting the folks of Augusta County and their property from disastrous flooding.”

Work on these projects is being conducted as authorized by the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (Public Law 83-566) at the initiative of citizens of Virginia.  Locally, the project is being sponsored by the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors and the City of Waynesboro. 

Authorized rehabilitation for each of the dams will include: raising the tops of the dams by 4 to 5 feet with a concrete parapet wall, armoring the auxiliary spillways with articulated concrete blocks, replacing the existing square risers with rectangular risers, and widening the northern auxiliary spillway by 5 feet (Robinson Hollow Dam only).  Installation is expected to take two years. 

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