Published: August 20, 2007 09:29 am         

Dam project designed to reduce flood risk in eastern Hardy County

WASHINGTON - Residents in Hardy County will benefit from a funding boost added to federal appropriations legislation by Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va. The additional funds will help advance construction of a dam in the Lost River watershed in Hardy County.

Byrd, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, included $5 million in the fiscal year 2008 Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for the Lost River Watershed Project.

The funding will help complete the design of the project and begin construction of Phase I of Lost River Watershed Site 16, an earth fill dam that will provide flood protection, recreation and water supply to eastern Hardy County.

"I'm proud to be able to help residents of Hardy County by winning congressional approval of funds for the Lost River Watershed project,'' Byrd said. "The new dam will bring peace of mind to all those living in these communities.''

The Lost River Watershed Project consists of implementing land-treatment measures on 20,400 areas of watershed lands and the construction of three upstream floodwater-retarding dams and one multi-purpose reservoir.

This project will protect homes, businesses and farmlands along the Lost and Cacapon rivers and is sponsored by the Hardy County Commission and the Potomac Valley Soil Conservation District. Benefits of the project are reduced flood and sediment damage to more than 400 rural properties; water supply for Needmore, Baker and nearby areas; as well as public recreation.

"West Virginians work hard for their homes and their businesses, and all possible steps should be taken to ensure that their properties are protected from devastating flood damage. They also deserve to know that the water in their homes is reliable and safe,'' Byrd said.

Preliminary design activities for the Lost River Watershed Project were initiated in late 2006 and are scheduled to be completed in 2008.

The funding Byrd secured in the Agriculture Appropriations bill will allow construction of the project to begin early next year. Pending additional funding, the project is expected to be completed in 2009.

Byrd has also secured more than $20 million in past appropriations legislation for the Hardy County water project.

"This funding allows for progress on the critical Lost River Watershed Project that will provide flood protection, a more stable water supply and additional recreational areas in Hardy County.

"The Lost River Watershed Project is making the promise of flood protection and clean water a reality for the residents of Hardy County,'' Byrd said.