Egremont — The town announced on Friday, December 20, that construction activities have commenced at the Prospect Lake dam. This critical project was made possible by a $900,000 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Dam & Seawall Repair Program.
Select Board Chair Lucinda Vermeulen expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Due to generous grant funding, Egremont has been given the go-ahead to complete repairs to the non-functioning dam at Prospect Lake. This long-sought repair project required that we assemble a team of professionals with the expertise needed to conduct this intricate work.”
The project team, which includes town staff and the Egremont Conservation Commission, is comprised of the following partners:
- Lake Dam LLC (the dam owners, led by local developer and Egremont resident lan Rasch);
- JH Maxymillian lnc. (general contractor based in Pittsfield);
- Berkshire Engineering lnc. (design and inspection engineer based in Pittsfield); and
- SK Design Group (resident engineer, based in Great Barrington, overseeing and documenting daily construction activities).
Once completed, the repaired dam will better control Prospect Lake’s water levels, helping to prevent flooding during heavy precipitation. The project will also allow the Friends of Prospect Lake, a group of dedicated residents, to treat or mechanically remove invasive aquatic plants, improving safety and recreational opportunities for all users.
Select Board Chair Vermeulen added, “The dam repair project should be completed by next April, just before the official opening of the Prospect Lake Park campground, which has been undergoing extensive renovations over the past two years. Restoring the dam’s functionality and safety was the last hurdle required to allow Egremonters and visitors to enjoy the new camp lodgings, pool, restaurant, and other amenities, with easy access to the lake and shoreline. We couldn’t be more excited.”
“The Town of Egremont looks forward to completing this critical infrastructure project and welcoming residents and visitors alike to enjoy beautiful Prospect Lake,” a press release from the town states.
For more information, contact Mary Brazie at tegremont@egremont-ma.gov or (413) 528-0182, ext. 10.
