Update on Amherst Lake Dam
Hello! Preserve Amherst Lake Association (PAL-VT) is pleased to announce that we will be taking ownership of the dam in January 2023. We have a signed contract with the current owners and the closing to transfer the title of the dam is scheduled for next month. The agreement will place the dam and one acre of surrounding property to service it under our control.
We couldn’t be happier that we have come to an agreement with the current owners. Thanks to each and every one of you who signed our petition, donated money and otherwise showed support for this effort. Amherst Lake is our shared natural resource, and we are committed to maintaining it -- starting with saving its dam.
To that end, once we take ownership of the dam, we will quickly begin work on three objectives:
1. Seeking multiple engineering bids for repairing or replacing the dam
2. Raising money to fund our efforts through donations from the community as well as any available state, federal or private grants
3. Opening PAL-VT membership to the community to build a sustainable association to manage the dam and advocate for the lake
Everyone wants to know how much it will cost to fix the dam. Our estimate, based on recent engineering evaluations that PAL-VT gathered during its due diligence, indicates a cost in the neighborhood of $350K. The final determination of cost, however, will be based on a competitive and transparent bid process.
The effort to save the dam has powerful tailwinds pushing it ahead, and we are confident about gaining the necessary support to make repairs, which will also include working with the state and our local government and non-government organizations to arrive at a solution.
Many of you have written to us asking how you can help. We are happy to say, now is the time to get involved:
· Make an initial online donation to our start-up costs here
· Apply to join the board or one of its committees here
· Help us prepare for our inaugural benefit party scheduled for May 2023 here
Again, PAL-VT sincerely appreciates all of the support, and we look forward to advancing our efforts to save the dam and preserve the lake. If you have questions, you can reach us directly at Board@palvt.org. And you can learn more about us at palvt.org.