By Staff
Gov. Bob Riley has awarded $300,000 to prevent an imminent health and safety risk in Russellville.
The grant will enable the city of Russellville to take immediate steps to repair two large holes that have developed in Sloss Lake dam. A potential collapse of the earthen dam threatens the safety and welfare of at least 70 residences downstream.
"The threat posed by the possible breach of Sloss Lake dam requires timely action to avert a potential disaster," Riley said. "I commend city officials for alertly detecting and promptly responding to this threat to life and property."
When the leaks developed early last month, the city made temporary repairs to lessen the threat of a collapse and downstream flooding. The state Department of Transportation and the county Emergency Management Agency have been assisting the city.
A possible solution includes sealing the length of the dam on the lake side with a commercially sold clay product to stop the existing and future leaks. Additional dirt would be used to reline the dam to make it more stable.
The dam and 44-acre lake were built in the late 1800s by an iron-ore processing manufacturer. The city acquired the property about 50 years ago and converted it into a park.