USACE Jacksonville to Host Public Meetings on Dike Rehabilitation

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, will host four public meetings to provide an update on rehabilitation efforts at the Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee.

Since 2007, the Corps has been engaged in projects to address concerns with the dike’s integrity. To date, work has focused on installation of a 22-mile “cutoff wall” between Port Mayaca and Belle Glade on the east side of the lake that has helped reduced erosion caused by seepage in the dike. Additionally, the Corps is replacing or removing 32 water control structures that are presently seen as the greatest threat of dike failure.

In recent months, the Corps has also undertaken a Dam Safety Modification Study (DSMS) that will provide a roadmap of projects necessary to reduce the risk of failure of the 143-mile earthen structure.

“The intent of these meetings is to inform people about the remaining risks that need to be addressed and to discuss our ideas for addressing those issues,” said Tim Willadsen, Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation Project Manager. “The feedback we receive at these meetings will be taken into consideration as we develop the plan that guides the projects we execute in the future.”

The meetings will be held in the following locations in south Florida:

• Sept. 22—Okeechobee County Health Dept 1728 NW 9th Ave., Okeechobee, Fla.

• Sept. 23—John Boy Auditorium, 1200 South W.C. Owen Ave., Clewiston, Fla.

• Sept. 24—Jupiter Community Center, 200 Military Trail, Jupiter, Fla.

• Sept. 25—South Fla. Water Mgt. Dist. Service Center, 2301 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, Fla.

All meetings will begin with an open house at 6:30 p.m. followed by a presentation at 7 p.m.

[mappress]
Press Release, August 29, 2014