OKLAHOMA CITY – The Bryan County Rural Water, Sewer & Solid Waste Management District No. 2 has been awarded $854,449 by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to fund critical rehabilitation work on the Blue River Dam.
“We’ve tried for this grant for several years and it really needs the rehab, it’s in really bad shape and we are just grateful for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for this much needed grant.” Regina Clinton, manager for Bryan County Rural Water, Sewer & Solid Waste Management District No. 2 said.
The cost-share grant, which covers 65% of eligible project expenses will be used to restore the dam’s structural integrity and ensure that it continues to serve the surrounding community safely and effectively.
“This investment in the Blue River Dam is vital for protecting the safety and well-being of neighboring communities,” Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant said. “Thanks to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, these much-needed improvements will shore up the dam’s structural integrity and reduce the chances of a dam failure. I’m proud to support this effort that prioritizes public safety and bolsters water infrastructure in Bryan County.”
The upcoming rehabilitation project will address these concerns by installing rock protection to stabilize the slopes and downstream channel, while also regrading the spillway to improve drainage and eliminate water pooling.
“The Blue River is a vital resource for our communities, and ensuring the safety and reliability of this dam is essential for our future,” Rep. Cody Maynard, House District 21 said. “This grant will not only protect our homes and businesses from potential flooding but will also strengthen our water system for decades to come. I’m grateful for this investment in Bryan County that will keep our families safe and support continued growth in our area.”
The 40-foot tall, earthen Blue River Dam is classified as a high hazard potential structure.
The dam lacks hard armor rock protection on both the upstream slope and downstream spillway channel.
Over time, wave action has caused significant erosion, leading to scarps and slips on the unprotected slope that threaten the dam’s stability. In addition, other issues in the principal spillway channel have resulted in sediment buildup and standing water within the concrete discharge structure, reducing the spillway’s capacity and functionality.
The funding from the grant come through the FEMA Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) Grant Program. The FEMA HHPD Grant Program provides federal assistance to repair, remove, or rehabilitate non-federal high hazard potential dams in order to reduce risks to life and property.
“We are grateful to State Senators David Bullard and State Representative Cody Maynard for their continued support of Oklahoma’s dam safety program,” said Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB.