Many downstream residents hope Delhi dam isn't rebuilt

Some people living downstream hope the dam never comes back. They took out an ad in the Monticello newspaper this week trying to rally support to release the river.

"I tell ya, for being in East Central Iowa, it's one of Iowa's best kept secrets," said Chris Stender.

The secret once known as Lake Delhi is gone. Before the water went downstream, it backed up here and flooded.

"There's nobody that's been hit harder than me, that I've met," said Chris Stender.

The flood damaged Chris Stender's business and home. He figures that's more than a $100,000 in damage.

"I don't want to go anywhere, I've been here my whole life. For somebody to not want to rebuild the lake, they'd have to have a pretty good reason to give up all of this, cause you're giving up a lot," said Stender, Hartwick Marina.

Chip Smith figures his $80,000 in damage is a pretty good reason. Smith owns Walnut Acres Campground. He says the dam breach flooded his campground, and covered it with sand.

"The only time you see a flood is when they manipulate the gates," said Smith.

Smith has flooded four times in three years, each time, he says, due to the dam.

"I'd like to see the dam removed, and if not, then go into the control of the corps of engineers," said Smith.

Whatever the decision is, both sides hope it's made soon.

Opponents of the dam plan to meet at Walnut Acres Campground in Monticello this Sunday afternoon at one. Chip Smith, the campground owner, blames the association that operates the dam for his flooding. We tried to contact them today, but did not get a response.