By Julie Johansen
The reclamation project at Millsite Dam is progressing nicely, except for a few weeks behind on the concrete work on the spillway, the project is on schedule. The outlet works are delivering water to all entities and the tunnel from the dam is now covered. The grate floor on the outlet house is in place with no roof or walls yet, but they are coming as soon as the finishing touches of hydraulics and electrical work are completed.
The spillway is about two-fifths complete and scheduled to be finished by June 4. The urgency of getting the golf course bridge in necessitates that two shifts will begin to work on Sunday, May 13, and work six days a week. As soon as the concrete walls are finished and drains installed, the backfill work will begin around the outside of the spillway walls.
Delays have resulted because of changes and weather. The full use of the golf course should be allowed by late summer or early fall.
The earth embankment for the dam is beginning to be done horizontally instead of vertically, with an expected Nov. 2 finish date. Work will be done from the bottom on the downstream side and work until the crest is finished raising the dam by four feet. The reservoir has risen about 25 feet from its lowest point. All the work, including cleanup, is scheduled to be finished by December.
Millsite State Park Campground has a new fresh look and is ready for camping. Asphalt, gravel and grass are now in place as well as new pavilions, renovated restrooms and more camping spots.
