Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Engineering

TO:	David L. Corliss, Cynthia Wagner, Charles Soules
FROM:	Matt Bond
Date:	December 9, 2010
RE:	Yankee Tank/Lake Alvamar Dam Improvement Agreement

Please consider placing the above referenced item on the City Commission Consent Agenda December 14, 2010.

Project Details: As has previously been discussed, a federal earmark has been identified for rehabilitation work for the Yankee Tank Dam - Structure No. 24 (more commonly referred to as Lake Alvamar Dam).  This earmark is to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the US Department of Agriculture, and is specifically to be spent on Yankee Tank.

The agreement is between the Kansas Department of Transportation, Wakarusa Watershed District No. 35, Douglas County, Alvamar, Inc and the City of Lawrence.  It outlines the financial and administrative responsibilities for each participating entity.  The total project cost for dam rehabilitation is currently estimated at $1,988,600.  A federal earmark of $1 million has been secured for this project.  Discussions regarding a local match for this project have been on-going since April, 2010.  It should be noted the financial obligation by the City is applicable only on the commencement of the dam rehabilitation project.  The financial break down as per the agreement for the project is detailed as follows:

City of Lawrence	$75,000
Douglas County	$50,000
Property Owners (through special assessment district)	$180,000
Kansas Department of Transportation	$150,000

The remaining costs would be the responsibility of the Wakarusa Watershed District, the owner of the dam facility.  These costs include all costs associated with all land rights needed for the Project as well as any design and construction costs above those listed above. The District would assume all risks and receive the benefits related to the project. 

City involvement would include the requirement that the dam facility be annexed into the City of Lawrence.  As part of this annexation, staff also recommends that the easement elevation for the Watershed District be modified to correspond with the final design of the proposed dam height and emergency spillway elevations.  This would help to alleviate the encroachment of the residents along Burning Tree Court upon the existing easement.   

Action Request.  Staff requests approval from the City Commission to Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with KDOT, Wakarusa Watershed, Alvamar, Inc., and Douglas County, regarding the rehabilitation of Yankee Tank Dam, and authorizing city funding in the amount of $75,000.