Although South Whitehall commissioners voted in March 2015 to save Wehr’s Dam, the future of the structure at Covered Bridge Park remains somewhat murky due to the high cost of repairs.

Michael Baker International, the engineering firm hired by the township to inspect the dam and provide a 5-year plan for its repair, concluded $588,500 would be needed for the restoration project.

The board voted this July to place a referendum on the Nov. 8 general election ballot asking voters whether the township should borrow up to $600,000 for repair and short-term maintenance of the dam.

William Wehr, whose grandfather built the dam more than 100 years ago as power for a mill, asks voters to consider the history of the dam and recreation at the site when casting their ballots.

Wehr points out the financial impact would be only $17 annually for the average household, if the township raises taxes to generate revenue over a 5-year period, according to a South Whitehall information sheet on the referendum.

Wehr told The Press the dam hosts people who fish, take or paint pictures, and enjoy relaxing while watching birds, geese and ducks at the stream.

He also mentioned Groundhog Yahdee and his grandson, Lee, ride down the Jordan Creek each year to make the winter weather forecast on Feb. 2.

Wehr also noted the Parkland School District has students and teachers who come to the dam for instruction and recreation.

Board President Christina “Tori” Morgan says the board will wait until after the election to make any decision on plans for the dam.

“It really depends on what comes back from the voters,” Morgan said. “From them we’ll be able to gauge our next plan of action.”

The information sheet provided by the township emphasizes the referendum is not a question on whether to raise taxes but simply asks whether South Whitehall should be authorized to borrow $600,000 for restoration of Wehr’s Dam.

Any discussion and decision concerning the means of repaying the loan will take place during the township’s budget process.

Wehr offered some thoughts to voters.

“The dam is the source of many good memories from the past and present,” Wehr said. “The voters in South Whitehall Township have a choice to make.

“Preserve memories, history and recreation at Wehr’s Dam for present and future generations or let nature continue to do its thing and see what happens.”

He says grant money may be available.

“The public needs to know it’s not going to be an automatic tax increase,” Wehr said.

South Whitehall Solicitor Christopher McLean notes if the referendum is approved, the township has 10 years to move forward with the borrowing.