State should work out deal at Lake Delhi

When we look at Lake Delhi, there seems to be a lack or urgency in getting this facility restored. In reading the timeline at Lake Delton in Wisconsin, you get a completely different feel for when they restore their dam/roadbed. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and governor stepped up to the plate and said within 30 days of the breach they would take charge of the repair plans and restore the lake within six months.

Lake Delhi has the same issue where a public road washed away due to heavy rains, allowing the dam to drain. The primary difference is that the road at Lake Delhi is on private property so the Iowa Department of Transportation is free from the repair.

Since 1927, when the dam was finished, I don't believe any one referred to this road as private. When the state and Delaware County worked out a deal with Interstate Power Company to place their public bridge on top of this private dam and use the piers of the dam for support, I doubt if anyone referred to the bridge as a private bridge. Nor when cars, trucks, tractors and school buses moved across this structure no one has ever said we need to thank the Interstate Power Company or Lake Delhi Recreation Association for letting them use this roadway.

I bet the state could work on a deal where it maintains this roadway like they should and the Lake Delhi Recreation Association can continue to maintain the dam. This would be a win/win for everyone involved. If they want to own the land, I say give it to them.

Jack and Eileen Andrews

Cedar Rapids