Cypress Creek Low-head Dam – Photos by Charles Rose
FLORENCE – In order to eliminate the danger, construction on the low-head dam on Cypress Creek is planned to begin within a month.
On Thursday, The Water and Wastewater Department opened two bids for the development of the replacement. While the original estimate was at $1 million, the lowest bid from Craig Construction Co. was at $1.2 million; the second bid came from Scott Bridge Co., at $1.8 million.
The bids are to be reviewed by one of the department engineers to confirm they meet specifications.
Cypress Creek Low-head Dam – Photos by Charles Rose
The contract also details that work must be complete within a 6 month period.
Due to its popularity with kayakers, this part of Cypress Creek has seen a multitude of deaths throughout the past 30 years. The creation of a citizens committee was assembled approximately 2 years ago to qualm this issue.
Cypress Creek Low-head Dam – Photos by Charles Rose
This discussion was brought about for the changes in the dam’s construction and to search for an engineering company that specializes in this style of dam construction, McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group of Denver.
The new dam design will have a gentle slope; this will insure the safe travel of fish through the dam. Portage paths for kayakers are currently available, and are emphasized for safety. There is no word as to whether the new dam will be safer for kayakers.
