Lake Decatur Dredging Project In First Steps

The city of Decatur is taking steps toward a multi-million project that would dredge parts of Lake Decatur.

The Herald and Review reports that the city is taking applications for a contractor until July 26. City Manager Ryan McCrady says the city estimates the project will cost about $60 million and take between three and five years. The goal is to dredge the lake to reclaim nearly 30 percent of its capacity.

Dredging would remove sediment that has collected on the bottom on the lake.

Decatur officials could approve a contract in the fall.

The Decatur City Council says funding will be available because there was a decision earlier this year to increase water rates.