Jordan’s Point Dam is a concrete dam built in 1911 on the Maury River in Lexington Virginia. The dam was used as a local swimming spot and a training site for VMI as time passed the integrity of the dam diminished and was deemed unsafe. The dam had to go through the Section 106 process due to gaining funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Throughout the process, the public and local native tribes were involved.
Undertaking
As time passed, the integrity of the dam diminished and was deemed unsafe after being temporarily repaired throughout the centuries. In 2019, in order for parts of the dam to be torn down, it had to go through the Section 106 process due to using funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Throughout the process, the public and local native tribes were involved and rallied for the dam to be saved, but the cost to rebuild and restore it was too exorbitant. Additionally, there was a push to reopen the river to fish.
Outcomes
In the end, most of the dam was removed but parts of the original structure were left on each side of the river for historical interpretation, with a fish ladder installed and signage posted around the dam.
So What?
This story shows how despite differences in opinions between the parties, they were able to compromise by displaying the historical significance through parts of the dam and signage.
