Amherst Lake Update: Dam Restoration and Funding Request
It has been a productive last quarter and PAL-VT has made steady progress in our efforts to restore Amherst Dam.
First, our seed round fundraising campaign begun in July has raised $22,000 of the $31,500 needed to begin the initial engineering work that will then define the scope of the dam restoration project. To learn more about this phase one work, see our July 1, 2023 announcement.
Importantly, the fundraising campaign has been supported both by lake residents and others in the community, including Hawk residential property owners, and local businesses.
Even more encouraging, we are actively engaged in conversations with a department within the state of Vermont that is also working with the successful Curtis Dam restoration project in Calais, VT.
This summer’s flooding and resulting damage has heightened everyone’s concern about water flow and dams, and the state has now indicated interest and possible support for our project. We hope to have more to share following subsequent conversations with them.
We continue to maintain a strong and collaborative relationship with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Water Investment Division, Dam Safety Program, who inspects, rates and will set the specifications for the dam restoration. Their inspection following this summer’s flooding indicated no damage to the dam which was great news.
The vitality of Amherst Lake is a critical anchor in the future of our community, to our property values, and for those of you who rent, to your rental income.
At this holiday season and time of giving, we ask you to make a donation. Help us close the gap in reaching our seed round fundraising goal so we can proceed with work. Donations are tax deductible as PAL-VT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
It is easy to donate online or by sending a check to: PAL-VT, P.O. Box 412 Ludlow, VT 05149.
Thank you for your interest and support. We wish everyone a happy holiday and best wishes for 2024. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions to board@palvt.org. Visit our website at PALVT.org.