NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Two New Albany city council members are planning to introduce a resolution encouraging the Silver Creek Dam to be removed entirely. This comes after Mayor Jeff Gahan announced new improvements to the infrastructure Monday.
Council members Stefanie Griffith and Scott Blair are planning to introduce the resolution Thursday to the full city council.
The future of the century-old dam has been discussed by the city for years.
"I want a decision to be made so it's not drug on for another three years," Griffith said.
The resolution cites the danger of low-head dams. The National Weather Service reported over 100 deaths nationally from 2018 to 2020 caused by these dams.
This tragedy is felt right at home in Indiana, following the death of 14-year-old AJ Edwards on Memorial Day.
The improvements introduced by Gahan involves replacing the low-head dam with rocks stretching the length of the water.
"We'd rather just stop it, take care of it now. And to my understanding, the dam has to come out before the rock arches come in anyway. So it's like, why are we waiting? That's the question," Griffith said. “I hate to say it’s about the money, but at this point there’s been a lot of money spent there, and we have a whole city we need to take care of. I am all for recreation, but there are some other issues we could use that money for: sidewalks, paving, fire trucks, safety for throughout the whole city.”
While Griffith is worried too much money is being spent on the infrastructure, fishermen like Kevin Taylor flock to the dam and don't want to see it go.
"A lot of people come out here fishing, doing whatever, just enjoying the nature," Taylor said. "It be scary on here, but you just gotta know what you're doing. I think if you don't know what you're doing or know how to swim, I don't think you should be out here or up here."
Gahan said the dam provides a habitat for wildlife, maintains the water supply, reduces flash flooding, and creates recreational opportunities.
The resolution will be introduced to the New Albany City Council Thursday at the council's 7 p.m. meeting at City Hall.
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