Hunter
02/23/23
Iowa City officials are having preliminary discussions on making modifications to the Burlington Street Dam during the upcoming Burlington Street Bridge replacement project.
The Daily Iowan reports that city officials consider it a once in a lifetime opportunity to modify the dam and improve its use as a recreational site and possible whitewater park.
The bridge construction is planned to begin in 2028. Iowa City received a $300,000 grant in October as a part of the federal Bridge Investment Program to help begin planning for the project.
An Iowa DOT transportation planner told the DI that they have quarterly meetings with Iowa City’s engineering staff where the bridge project and a planning survey have been topics of discussion.
City of Iowa City Engineer Jason Havel says any modifications to the dam must involve the University of Iowa, which owns the dam, and the Iowa Department of Transportation to move forward with a project. One possibility would be removal of the dam and the construction of a whitewater park for recreational activities like kayaking and fishing. That type of amenity has shown the potential to bring a surge of visitors and tourism dollars to the city.
No specific timeline has been set for discussions on the topic.
