By now, all members of the association should have received a paper copy of our yearly newsletter.

Download an electronic copy of the newspaper here (pdf format) -

Here are some highlights and updates of somethings you may be wondering about.

Update of the State Road 23 Dam Project

Information given from INDOT is that the road construction schedule is slated to begin in mid-2010. INDOT plans to hold a Public Hearing in late June- July timeframe and we will provide an project update at that time. After the public hearing is held, right-of-way appraisals and acquisition would begin. The public hearing is still being coordinated and once it is scheduled, the date will be advertised in various public outlets.

Sewer Project Gets Grant

This is a $14 million project. Approval of our funding was announced in April after working with federal, state and local representatives to take advantage of “stimulus package” funds. The project qualified for a 45% federal grant, the balance will be a low interest 40 year loan. Individual homeowners cost is estimated at under $65 per month with no assessment charge. Read more of this story in the newspaper.

2009 Koontz Lake Dredging Update

There has not been a lot of movement on the Koontz Lake dredging project since our last report in 2008. As you may recall the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) completed a study in 1998 that concluded a dredging project at Koontz Lake was justified. The study and the project are cost shared 65% Federal and 35% from the non-Federal sponsor. KLEEC is the non-Federal sponsor. The 2 biggest problems facing implementation remain the same now as in 2008 the estimated cost for dredging and return of previously appropriated funds to the Koontz Lake project.

In 2002 the Corps prepared a preliminary cost estimate for the project. The project included dredging 300,000 cubic yards of sediment, disposal of the sediments, preparation and restoration of the disposal site, mobilization and demobilization of the equipment, engineering and design, real estate and a contingency cost. The latest Corps estimate for this work is $6,500,000. A 1990 study by a consultant identified the amount of sediments to be dredged at approximately 200,000 cubic yards. The number of cubic yards to be dredged will probably depend on the combined money available from the Corps and KLEEC.

KLEEC also believes new dredging technology can reduce project costs. Congressman Donnelly, Senator Lugar and Senator Bayh all supported cost reducing legislation which became law on 8 Nov 2007. The Corps was directed “to seek to reduce the cost of the project by using innovative technologies and cost reducing measures”.
The Koontz Lake project has been “named” numerous times in appropriations bills for a total of at least $1,800,000. Corps expenditures to date are approximately $473,000. However, because of delays in the project the unused funds ($1,427,000) were transferred to other projects. KLEEC is working on getting the funds returned. We have again requested Congressman Donnelly, Senator Lugar and Senator Bayh to get the funds returned. If the funds are returned and the IDNR reissues the dredging permit the project can go forward.

The lack of “a lot of movement” on the project should not be construed as a lack of movement by KLEEC. We have reviewed many appropriation bills, prepared documentation reports and contacted many elected officials. We all want this final stage of the lake restoration project completed and KLEEC is still committed to this cause. We thank you for continued interest in the project, your contributions and your patience.
Koontz Lake Environmental Enhancement Committee