Dredging – Sediment Removal
With the low lake levels of 2020 and 2021, HLCA looked at ways to help those around these low areas – especially on the west side of Hudson Lake. The lake was at the mercy of mother nature’s lack of rain and the lake’s drain usage to manage THE competing needs of the lake.
Maybe lowering the lakebed could help. A study was conducted, and it was the start of a long-term project to legally address lake access difficulties related to accumulated muck on the lakebed.
PROJECT DETAILS
In 2021 HLCA applied for and was awarded a grant to do a sediment removal study. Seven sites were identified as potential areas that could benefit from sediment removal. After the 4DNR biologists weighed in only 4 of the sites, would most likely receive LARE grant funding. In 2022, HLCA applied for dredging a single site – site 4 that would benefit the ability to navigate between Little Hudson and Big Hudson along the southern channel. The grant was denied. In 2023, HLCA reapplied for the Public Ramp (site 1) as well as the site 4 mentioned. The public ramp was awarded $120,000 in grants that can be spent over a couple of years. Since 2 large sites require expensive mobilization (set ups and takedowns), it was decided to reapply for site 4 and if awarded, do both sites in 2024. HLCA is still required to match 20% of the Grant. To complete both sites, the potential match is $50-75,000. HLCA is seeking larger organizations to help in raising these funds.
PROJECT WORK
Dredgers have been solicited and the project has been priced out. A budget and business plan are being developed. The final awarding of contracts is still TBD. Soliciting businesses, government, and other entities for donations. Once the sediment removal is approved, awarded, and started, there will be daily needs to oversee the effort.
It takes a community to keep Hudson Lake healthy and enjoyable. Anyone interested in working on This PRoject, please reach out to us at info@hlcaindiana.com.
