New Stimulus Funded Dam Will Save State Millions in Flood Damage

By Amy Lester, NEWS 9

ENID, Oklahoma -- A new dam that will prevent flooding in west Enid is the newest stimulus project in Oklahoman and the first of its kind in the country.

The dam will provide additional protection against flooding for nearly 6,000 residents living in rural communities in Garfield, Alfalfa, Kingfisher and Major Counties.

Conservation, state and county officials broke ground on the more than $500,000 dam on Wednesday. Oklahoma conservation officials said they've wanted to build the dam for decades but never had the funds. The dam wouldn't be possible without stimulus dollars.

Even though the project protects a relatively small number of people, officials said it's well worth the money.

"We have lots of flooding, lots of damage to both public and private property. We have over $70 million each year in the state is prevented by the dams and structures we currently have. This will allow us to go further with those projects to protect more citizens," said Trey Lam, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts.

The dam should take six to eight months to construct. No word yet on how many jobs this will provide.

A second dam near Turkey Creek in Alfalfa County will also be built with stimulus dollars.

The Oklahoma Impact team will have more on the stimulus dollars spent on this project and others around the state this Sunday night on NEWS 9 at 5:30 and 10.