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Shrinking dollars put lake repair on ice
Only time will tell if the leaky pipe that's causing the water level to drop in Thompson Lake — which is located in a state wildlife management area near Delaplane — can or will be fixed."We won't know how to fix the pipe until the lake drains," said Fred Leckie, assistant director of fisheries for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
The lake is approximately 32 feet deep at its deepest point, with an average depth of 14 feet. The water level is dropping approximately six inches per day, so it could be a couple of weeks before engineers can determine the full extent of the damage, Leckie added.
A sinking feeling...
Then there's the matter of money.
Leckie said the VGDIF has been aware for some time that the dam at Thompson Lake — which now has a conditional permit — needs upgrades in order to meet dam safety standards. Specifically, the spillway and outlet tower need to be fixed. The estimated cost of the repairs is $1.25 million to $2 million.
"Once we do an evaluation, we will see exactly which issues we're dealing with [in terms of the leak] and how to fix them in relation to the dam upgrades," Leckie said. "With the lake [level] down, some of the dam repair costs may change."
After the exact costs have been calculated, the agency will determine how much work can be done based on budget constraints.
The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is a "special limited-fund" agency, Leckie explained. Its revenue comes from hunting licenses, fishing licenses and boat registrations. There isn't a boundless stream of general fund revenue, even in the best of circumstances.
Now, with the state facing significant financial difficulties, the agency can't afford to throw money down the drain. Leckie compared the situation his agency is facing to the plight of someone who owns an old car that needs work.
"Do you spend the money to put tires on it so it will pass inspection knowing it needs even more work, or do you buy a new car now?" Leckie asked.
See the Fauquier Times-Democrat for the complete story...
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