Branstad vetoes language in Lake Delhi aid package

UPDATE: Lake Delhi community leaders said they're upset over Gov. Terry Branstad's veto of language in a bill indicating the state would appropriate funding to help repair and restore the dam and recreational lake on the Maquoketa River.

Flood waters destroyed the dam last year.

Branstad vetoed the so-called "intent" language this week because he said it's premature to assume the state will obligate money until a study is completed and analyzed by himself and the General Assembly.

Branstad has approved $350,000 for a pre-construction dam restoration study for Lake Delhi. That study is expected to be completed this year.

State Rep. Nate Willems says he's disappointed Branstad vetoed language in what was a legislative compromise to provide $2.5 million a year in 2013 and 2014.

State Sen. Tom Hancock of Epworth said Branstad's veto of the funds "boggles my mind" because the money would come from gaming revenue instead of from taxpayers.

He added that Branstad's veto will require the Lake Delhi community to make their case to the Legislature again next year.

Hancock said that rebuilding the dam that created the 450-acre impoundment would cost between $10 million and $23 million. The discrepancy concerns whether the Iowa Department of Natural Resources requires a moderate hazard dam or a high hazard dam. Both estimates include $3.3 million to generate up to 2 megawatts of hydroelectric power.

Lake Delhi board member Steve Leonard said a community fund drive has raised more than $1.3 million and the lake district board is considering increasing its taxes and selling bonds to cover some costs of rebuilding.

The board also hopes to win the support of county residents for a bond issue, though Leonard added that the state has to be a part of the funding for the restoration.

"It has a big stake in this," Leonard said. "The lake is the economic engine for the surrounding area."