NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Emergency maintenance has been approved for the Glenmill Park Dam at Silver Creek Landing in New Albany.
New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan approved the work to "eliminate the hydraulic roller effect caused by the current condition of the dam," according to a news release on Friday.
"Additionally, in a recent court filing, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources authorized a filing that indicated the 'drowning machine...at Providence Mill Dam, will...continue to risk public safety' if it remains as is," Gahan said.
In May, a 14-year-old boy died after getting trapped in the dam's dangerous undercurrents.
New Albany's City Council has voted twice in favor of measures encouraging modifications at the dam, including more than $10,000 in new signage and safety devices around the dam and landing.
The Indiana DNR has visited the work maintenance work site, however recent severe weather has interrupted work.
Crews will resume maintenance at the Silver Creek landing once weather allows.
The site will remain closed while the maintenance work is underway.
Gahan encouraged other southern Indiana cities to assess the conditions at their own dams to improve safety.
"I would encourage Origin Park and other Clark County neighbors to follow our lead," he said. "And pursue similar action at their own Blackiston Mill Dam, so that everyone in our region can experience safe recreation in Silver Creek."
The Glenmill Park Dam was created more than one hundred years ago to maintain water supply, provide a habitat for wildlife, reduce flash flooding, protect the ecosystem and create recreational opportunities at the popular park.
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