Dam management needs to change for funding

We've heard many conflicting stories about the Lake Delhi dam. We don't know who is responsible for the decisions concerning the opening of the gates. It has been stated the Lake Delhi Recreation Association owns the dam and has paid for maintenance and improvements.

We have witnessed the destruction and disruption of lives when the gates are opened after heavy rains upstream. The loss of farmland, homes and businesses upstream and downstream, we believe, is caused by the dam

and mismanagement of same.

The LDRA is private and is asking for federal and state funds. Shouldn't all private businesses be afforded the same considerations since they were affected by flooding? Should taxpayers pay so 900 homeowners can have lake property? If dam management and control aren't changed, floods will continue.

Thousands of people upstream and downstream have no reason to help rebuild a structure that will continue to flood their properties.

Pat and Loretta Beckman

Monticello