MAYOR GAHAN AUTHORIZES EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE TO IMPROVE SAFETY AT HISTORIC DAM – ENCOURAGES SIMILAR MAINTENANCE AT BLACKISTON MILL DAM

MAYOR GAHAN AUTHORIZES EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE TO IMPROVE SAFETY AT HISTORIC DAM – ENCOURAGES SIMILAR MAINTENANCE AT BLACKISTON MILL DAM

The City of New Albany has mobilized a crew to perform maintenance to the historic Glenmill Park Dam at Silver Creek Landing.

The historic Glenmill Park Dam was placed into service 108 years ago to maintain water supply, provide habitat for wildlife, reduce flash flooding, protect the ecosystem, and create recreational opportunities for the popular Glenmill Park.

The New Albany City Council has voted twice in favor of resolutions that encourage modifications to the dam to improve safety. Additionally, in a recent court filing, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources authorized a filing that indicated the “drowning machine at… Providence Mill Dam, will… continue to risk public safety” if it remains as-is.

Due to these factors, Mayor Gahan has authorized emergency maintenance to be conducted at the site to eliminate the hydraulic roller effect caused by the current condition of the dam. The site is currently closed while this maintenance is underway.

Recent weather patterns have interrupted the work, but the City of New Albany plans to resume the maintenance at Silver Creek Landing once the weather permits. DNR personnel have visited the maintenance work site.

“For years, we have been improving water safety in the City of New Albany through our improvements to the New Albany Shoreline and other waterways, and this maintenance at the historic Glenmill Park Dam is another example of our commitment to safe recreation,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “I would encourage Origin Park and other Clark County neighbors to follow our lead and pursue similar action at their own Blackiston Mill Dam, so that everyone in our region can experience safe recreation in Silver Creek.”