Many benefits to restoring Lake Delhi

Great strides have been made in the rebuilding of Lake Delhi thanks to $1.7 million in private donations, a local bond issue (passed with an overwhelming majority) raising more than $6 million and hundreds of volunteers clearing debris caused by the flood.

Recently, the Whitewater Coalition proposed that not restoring the lake provides the best long-term economic situation for the region, citing a study conducted by landscape architecture students at Iowa State University. They reference data relating the estimated expenditures from day visits on the entire length of the Maquoketa River to the 9-mile segment that would comprise the restored Lake Delhi.

An updated study (obtained from ISU Associate Professor Julia Badenhope) analyzes regions of the same size where the recreational spending from day visits to the combined lake and river system is estimated at $12.1 million compared to $8.3 million for the river system without a lake. In addition, the Whitewater group did not account for long-term expenditures estimated at $22 million per year related to the existing lakeside community; only day visit data was included in the ISU study.

Considering the complete picture, it is clear that restoring Lake Delhi provides the most diverse recreation opportunities for the public, increases commerce in the local area that might otherwise go out state, and restores property tax revenue necessary for schools and other public services.

Phil Thompson

Solon