Augusta’s New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam to Undergo Essential Repairs Following Legislative Approval

Augusta’s Aging Lock and Dam Set for Much-Needed Repairs!

Hey there, Augusta! Exciting news is rolling in regarding a crucial structure that has supported our community for decades. You might have heard of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, built way back in 1937, a true staple in our local history. Well, it’s just taken a big step forward towards some much-needed repairs that could help maintain safe river levels for all of us.

Thrilled to Deliver Good News

Speaking from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on a bustling Tuesday, U.S. Representative Rick Allen couldn’t contain his excitement. He cheerfully said, “I’m thrilled to finally stand here today with a message for my community: A legislative solution to maintain the pool level and repair the lock and dam will soon be on its way to the president’s desk.”

That’s right! The House passed a bipartisan-backed Senate version of the Water Resources Development Act which carries a vital requirement: a full repair of the lock and dam and ensuring that the Savannah River pool level at Augusta is maintained at 114.5 feet. This has been an ongoing battle for many nearby residents who emphasize the importance of this structure in keeping our river levels safe and stable.

Community Voice Matters!

Allen, who represents the 12th District that includes our beloved city, was in close touch with “local stakeholders” to revive needed lock-and-dam requirements in the legislation. They made sure that the final version of this bill addressed the key concerns regarding the safety of the structure.

To put things into perspective, Congress passes the development act every two years with the aim of setting essential water management priorities, especially for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

History of the Lock and Dam

But how did we get to this point? Well, it’s been quite a journey! The Corps of Engineers had to drop the lock and dam to “caretaker” status back in 1985 after commercial navigation on the Savannah River halted in the 1970s. This change significantly affected its funding opportunities for maintenance, leading the way to serious neglect.

Back in 1999, the Corps concluded that the lock and dam had outlived its purpose and even suggested scrapping it entirely. In 2000, Congress did authorize a repair project, but it never got off the ground due to lack of full funding. Talk about frustrating!

Balancing Act for Rich River Ecosystem

Now, it’s not just about maintaining this vital structure for our community. The Corps had raised concerns that the lock and dam might be disrupting the natural spawning paths for endangered fish species like the Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon. Their solution? Proposing a fixed rock weir to help guide those fish upstream.

However, supporters of the lock and dam warned that removing it could drop the water levels to the riverbed, doing severe damage to developed riverbanks. It’s a tricky balancing act between safeguarding our infrastructure and preserving the rich ecosystem of the Savannah River.

Judicial Support for the Pool Maintenance

In a powerful turn of events, a federal judge stepped in November 2020, ruling that the Corps couldn’t carry out its plans for the rock weir. The judge pointed out that the plan didn’t meet the stipulations of a 2016 federal law, which mandated that water levels be maintained at 114.5 feet, the same level that existed when the law was enacted.

With these new developments, it looks like Augusta is on a pathway to securing the future of our much-loved lock and dam. Let’s keep our fingers crossed as we wait for this legislative move to make its way to the president’s desk!

So, there you have it, Augusta! Exciting times are ahead for our river and community as we all look forward to the benefits that repairs of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam will bring!