Michael Baker and Associates, an Allentown engineering firm, dealing with dam rehabilitations, has been selected to evaluate Wehr's Dam and to provide a five-year plan for its maintenance.

South Whitehall commissioners are looking for options to fix the dam in order to pass the state Department of Environmental Protection inspection in 2017.

When the board voted in March to save the dam from a Wildlands Conservancy proposal to remove it, they knew the structure needed work.

A study conducted by KCI Technologies, selected by the conservancy, predicted restoration of the dam could cost about $1 million.

Commissioners and administrators wanted a second opinion on the dam's status and the costs to improve it but were not able to have this done prior to the vote.

At the July 15 meeting, township Manager Howard Kutzler reported Michael Baker and Associates was chosen from five firms submitting proposals.

The engineer will provide a final report based on field operations for a plan to ensure the dam meets DEP requirements and best management practices.

The firm will also be asked to include a five-year plan to make sure Jordan Creek stream embankments near the dam are properly maintained.

In addition, the engineer will be requested to provide recommendations for creek side safety and measures so human contact with the dam is minimized, along with costs of implementation.

Baker's bid for the project is $26,500.

Kutzler reported the firm includes geotechnical and structural engineers with experience on more than 20 dam improvement projects.

"We believe these guys are the best guys for us," Kutzler said.

Director of Public Works Bob Ibach agreed.

"They provide a good balance between the service provided and cost," Ibach said.

Commissioner Glenn Block said the expenditure is just for engineering costs.

"This firm has the qualifications and has done other dam work," Block said. "I think it's going to be substantially less than the KCI report."

Block also looked ahead to rehabilitation of the dam.

"We have a fiduciary responsibility to the public to set aside funds," Block stated. "We should allocate monies to at least have upkeep of the dam at its current level."

Lori Wehr Young, a descendent of the person who operated the mill at the dam, reported the Friends of Wehr's Dam group is in the process of filing for 501c(3) status as a not-for-profit organization.

"We want to seek funds to support the preservation of the dam and sustain it in the future," Wehr Young said.

"It's a good move, and we look forward to working with you," Block responded.