Alpine Dam in "Bad Shape"

Rockford, Illinois- The Alpine Dam is in bad shape and Keith Creek may need to be widened. That`s the opinion of one Army Corps Engineer. But before any complete overhaul of the water shed, a $300,000 study needs to be done. "We can`t wait 15 years for a full reconstruction so we`ve already asked our congressional delegation for a couple of million dollars to do some emergency repairs," says City Administrator Jim Ryan. But even that emergency money, if it`s allocated, won`t be available until lawmakers reconvene after the November elections. But that may be too long to wait for the dam. Ron Fournier of the Corps says "There is potential for a breech for any dam in bad shape." So what is the city doing to monitor the dam and flood plain while it waits for the appropriations? "Weve done an inspection on all of our creeks and we`re doing maintenance and trying to clear debris away as much as possible," says Ryan. "Weve done a post inspection and FEMA has as well and it didn`t get worsened by the flood but it does need some emergency repairs particularly to the spillway and a lot of the concrete work." But he adds it`s unlikely to get another rain event like we experienced on Labor Day. The feasibility study has already passed the House of Representatives. The emergency funds are included in a bill that needs to be eventually signed by the president.