John Redmond Reservoir Dredging Project Begins

A ceremony to commemorate the start of the John Redmond Reservoir dredging project took place yesterday.

This project represents the first of its kind in the nation with a non-federal entity dredging sediment from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Reservoir for the purpose of ensuring water supply storage, according to the Kansas Water Office.

“The Kansas Water Office’s data indicated sedimentation would hinder our ability to meet the demand for water in the region,” said Col. Richard A. Pratt, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District.

“We are pleased with the cooperation between our agencies as we are committed to delivering enduring and essential water resource solutions to meet demand.”

The dredging work is being conducted by Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company.

At the event, Governor Sam Brownback shared his thoughts for the necessity of this project.

“The drought of 2012 showed the critical importance of John Redmond Reservoir to the region,” said Brownback. “Dredging is a significant step in achieving the goals of our 50-Year Water Supply Vision as we work to preserve our state’s vital resource for future generations.”

The Kansas Water Office said that the dredging operations at John Redmond will continue through the end of December 2016 and will remove some 3 million cubic yards of sediment.

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