Plans to rebuild dam must abide by state law

Regarding your story, “DNR rejects Lake Delhi public access, water quality plans,” Oct. 2:

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is right to insist that requirements of state law must be met before

$5 million in public funds are distributed to rebuild the Lake Delhi Dam. It makes sense, and it's the law.

It is a serious disservice for a lawmaker to say the DNR is “throwing up roadblocks” or the DNR requirements are unduly burdensome.

In fact, as your article points out, it was the Legislature that put explicit conditions on the Delhi Dam public funding, namely, completion of plans by the Lake District “to increase public access areas” and “to address wastewater treatment systems for homeowners in an effort to reduce pollution and increase water quality at the lake,” as it was stated in S.F. 2316, which authorized the

$5 million in public funding.

The DNR has determined that the Lake District's plans to increase public access and address wastewater treatment systems for homeowners are simply “not adequate.”

In fact, the vague and skimpy plans presented by the Lake District fall woefully short. They don't reflect being a serious partner with the DNR and the Legislature and all Iowa taxpayers.

Rosalyn Lehman

Executive Director

Iowa Rivers Revival

Des Moines