Rapid City poised to accept bids for dam reconstruction - KOTA Territory News

Rapid City poised to accept bids for dam reconstruction

The Rapid City Public Works Committee is moving forward with reconstruction of Canyon Lake Dam. The Public Works Committee authorized the city to advertise for bids for the project.

$3.5 million from the Vision Fund can be used, but that might not cover all the costs.

Public Works Director Terry Wolterstorff says the project doesn't need to be done right away, but there is seepage in the dam and eventually the lake will drain. "We could sit here and say, push the project off until there really is a problem that happens, but when that problem occurs we're going to be sitting there with an empty lake," said Wolterstorff.

"We have the majority of the money if we need to find another source for any money on top of that I think as responsible legislatures, as responsible council people I think we need to find that money and get this done, because it's never going to get any cheaper," said Alderman John Roberts.

If the city accepts a bid, the project would most likely begin in late September this year, and wrap up by January or February in time for irrigation season.