Ready, fire, aim on Lake Contrary

When asked about dredging Lake Contrary, Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson made an interesting comment to a News-Press NOW reporter.

“Other things have kind of overtaken it on the to-do list,” he said.

One “other thing” would be a significant expansion to the county’s juvenile justice center. That project would increase bed capacity and create additional space for classrooms, medical care and mental health evaluations. An architectural firm estimates the cost at $11.7 million.

At least the county knows. The commissioners will use this information to determine whether the budget outlay is justified.

No such independent analysis exists on Lake Contrary. County officials hope to complete the project for around $6 million. Given the immense challenge of dredging a 300-acre lake and disposing of the material, it’s hard to see if this figure is anchored in reality. It’s also hard to see if the perceived economic benefits justify the initial outlay and long-term maintenance costs.

If ever a taxpayer-funded project deserved further analysis, this would be it. We’re talking about a real independent study, not the Western District commissioner’s favorite contractor telling you what you want to hear.

Here are the unknown questions:

• How much will the immediate dredging cost?
• Where will the funds come from?
• What will these funds replace? (roads, juvenile justice, etc.)
• What are the long-term economic benefits?
• What are the long-term maintenance costs? When will the lake have to be dredged again?
• Even though Lake Contrary is outside the city limits, can you point to any survey that mentioned a lack of outdoor lake activities as a glaring need for this community (as opposed to roads, housing, education, crime and neighborhoods?)

Another big question is what happens if the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not grant a permit to dump material in the river. Lack of permitting approval hasn’t stopped the county from moving ahead while questions remain unanswered.

The county approved the spraying of herbicide last month to kill weeds at the lake. Commissioners have given mixed messages on whether weed treatment is a precursor to dredging or just maintenance to reduce blight and the risk of fires.