Lake Delhi task force says dam should be publicly owned

The Lake Delhi Recover and Rebuild Task Force has announced in its final report that it supports rebuilding the dam that failed July 24 during flooding of the Maquoketa River.

In its report, dated Dec. 1, the task force appointed by Gov. Chet Culver said it believes that the project will require “additional new public investment,” which should be made available only under the following conditions: unambiguous public ownership and control of the dam, satisfactory mitigation of environmental concerns; and “unfettered public access to the new Lake Delhi.”

Public ownership of the dam, the task force said, would ensure participation in and eligibility for federal programs and accountable and transparent oversight.

“Regardless of the source of public funding, concepts of accountability and transparency should be applied to whatever entity ultimately is responsible for constructing and operating any dam that is re-built or constructed,” the task force said in the conclusion of its report.

At the outset of its report, the task force said that a definitive answer to the question of rebuilding is beyond its purview.

Its job, the task force said, is to identify the issues, options and conditions that “will inform those who ultimately will be charged with the responsibility of answering that question.”

Additional information will be posted after the task force's final meeting, which starts at 10 this morning at the Marion City Hall.