Reconnaissance Evaluation
RiverRestoration.org is pleased
to inform you that the Rubble Dam on the Beech Fork has
excellent opportunity for enhancement of both municipal
water supply and whitewater recreation.
The existing rubble dam is nearly 100-years old and has
deteriorated, reducing the pumping pool capacity and
potential water supply. Furthermore, the angle of the
structure has created erosion of the right bank that will
soon be problematic for the pump station access road and
the dam itself. The necessary improvements to the dam can
easily include fish passage, boat passage and whitewater
recreation. Bank improvements can be designed for the dual
purposes of a community river park and for erosion control.
The site has a number of advantages that make the project
not only feasible, but will also keep costs down. 1) There
is good construction access on a two track road, although
this may cross private property and easements will likely
be required. 2) The seasonal low-flows of the channel will
ease construction and reduce environmental impacts. 3)
There is a significant amount of material onsite that can
be reused in construction, further reducing costs. 4) There
are no sensitive species or other significant environmental
issues that would complicate permitting or deter public
support.
We have initiated project coordination by meeting onsite
with KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. We have
discussed the project with the US Fish and Wildlife
Service, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Nelson County
Floodplain manager and the KY Division of Water. These
regulators see no glaring objection to proceeding with this
project and permitting should be straight forward. The City
Engineers see the project as maintaining existing
infrastructure and expanding the potential for future water
supply. The Bardstown Chamber has already enjoyed national
press (National Geographic Adventure, September 2008)
generated by the project buzz. Furthermore you have a local
Whitewater Park Committee that enthusiastically represents
public support for the project.
We have completed a channel survey of the site and drafted
hydraulic models. We have done preliminary hydrologic
analyses and understand the constraints and functions of
the site. We have reviewed floodplain scenarios and
obtained hydraulic information from the US 31E Bridge
project. We are prepared to move forward with the design of
the project.
We previously submitted to you a July 28, 2008 proposal to
take this project to construction bid. This letter
represents the completion of Phase I of that proposal. We
are requesting a notice to proceed with Phase II. The next
steps are to perform engineering, obtain permits, develop
alternatives and costs, and assist seeking construction
funds. Our experience has been that funding is always
competitive and those projects that show diligence by
obtaining permits and presenting feasible design are
awarded funds; while projects that remain conceptual are
told to re-apply next year in the hopes that funding will
be less competitive. Conceptually, you should be seeking
funds between $350K and $500K; however, we request the
opportunity to legitimize the grant application process.
This project is a winner for Bardstown; enhancing water
supply infrastructure while creating a recreation amenity
for the community. This can be accomplished without
environmental impacts. Our whitewater parks experience
three times the passive users over the number of actual
boaters. The community will also come to the park to watch
the birds, picnic, fish or swim. The actual whitewater
aspect can generate tremendous press among the young
athletic crowd. Today’s young professionals choose to
live where their lifestyles are supported and places that
offer recreation have been revived by this trend.
