Madrid studies options for needed dam repairs

MADRID — A 480-foot concrete dam on the Grasse River is in an advanced stage of deterioration and needs to be repaired soon, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Town Supervisor Joseph A. Finnegan said the town, which owns the dam, is exploring both public and private funding options for fixing or replacing the structure.

Mr. Finnegan said the town is exploring three options: doing just remedial repairs, undertaking a complete upgrade and developing a small hydroelectric facility where the dam now stands.

"We are kind of hoping that with the emphasis on green power and things like that, we may be eligible for some funding to develop a small hydro site here," Mr. Finnegan said. "In the interim, we've also asked for the availability for grant money and any type of aid from the federal or state governments that might help us get through the remedial stage to stabilize it."

DEC inspected the dam last summer and found five main deficiencies, according to spokesman Stephen W. Litwhiler. He said dam safety engineers concluded that the spillway's concrete structures are all in an advanced stage of deterioration.

The dam, known as the Mill Dam to locals, was built in the late 1800s when a number of manufacturing businesses using water power were in the hamlet, according to Mr. Finnegan.

Mr. Litwhiler said the Madrid dam is designated by the state as a Class A low-hazard dam, meaning that if the structure failed it could do damage to isolated buildings and roads downstream.

He said DEC has recommended that the town monitor and address the dam's deficiencies as soon as possible, but the agency does not intend to fine the municipality over the structural problems.

Mr. Finnegan said the town board organized a special committee in January and has held several meetings since then to explore options for replacing or repairing the dam. He said an engineering study has been done and government representatives contacted in an attempt to find funding for the project.

He said town officials also will be reaching out to the private sector if public funds can't be obtained.

"We haven't ruled out going to private developers. We've got a very active committee that is very interested in this and we basically gave them the direction to go out there and turn over every stone that you can," Mr. Finnegan said. "If we can offer some tax incentives, it might make it attractive to private developers as well. We aren't married to the idea of municipal development. We just want to see that dam stabilized and developed."

With a municipal budget of about $500,000, Mr. Finnegan said, it is not practical for the town to consider trying to replace the dam on its own.

However, he said, the dam is the town's responsibility and, if needed, the municipality could borrow enough money to at least make sure the structure remains safe.

"We're all a bunch of north country farm boys here, so even if we have to use a little duct tape and baling twine, we'll get it fixed up somehow," he said.