Controlling Board Approves $23 Million to Repair North Reservoir Dam

This week, state Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) and other members of the state Controlling Board approved $22.9 million to repair the North Reservoir Dam at Portage Lakes. “Safety is always a top priority, especially with this dam in such close proximity to a residential area,” said Senator Sykes. “Repairs to the North Reservoir Dam are long overdue and I am sure the community is pleased to hear repairs will begin soon.” The North Reservoir Dam was completed in 1909 and the last remediation project was in 1982. According to the Department of Natural Resources, failure of the dam could impact up to 4,000 people and cause $500 million in damages. The improvements will include seepage cutoff, overtopping protection and replacement of existing spillway and lake drain.