A year after South Whitehall voters approved a referendum allowing the township to borrow $600,000 for restoration of Wehr’s Dam, commissioners approved $45,000 for the first year of the project.

In a report presented to the board by Michael Baker International in April 2016, the first year includes engineering and permit fees.

Commissioner Glenn Block reported at the board’s Nov. 1 meeting the first phase is soft costs, including some design work and permits which can take 12 to 18 months to obtain from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Although the dam was due for inspection in July, Baker representatives last year said the DEP would work with the township in compliance issues if a plan is in place for long-term improvements.

The Baker document provides an outline for the dam’s future work and costs.

The second year is for engineering and preparation of the final bid package of $5,000 for construction.

The second year begins actual physical work at $221,425.

This includes full replacement of 20 feet of the dam and partial replacement of 20 feet.

Before removing the existing concrete, sediment removal must be undertaken, and cofferdams (water tight enclosures to enable construction) will need to be installed.

Specialized techniques will be used to minimize damage to the remaining sections when the deficient concrete is demolished.

The new concrete sections will be composed of high strength hydraulic cement concrete with steel reinforcement which will be fitted into the adjacent dam structures.

The fourth year continues erosion and sediment control as well as replacement of the gabion baskets along sides of the Jordan Creek at a cost of $109,175.

The fifth year finishes the project with hand railing, fish ladder concrete, and refurbishment of the slide gate at a cost of $109,580.

The total Baker cost estimate for the five year rehabilitation is $588,456 which includes a 20 percent contingency.

Block commented on the project.

“The voters’ referendum authorized us to spend this money,” Block said. “We want to get it up to DEP specs so it will pass inspection.

“The DEP has to issue the permits, and they’ll know everything that’s going on.”