Joint Appropriations committee approves Richmond Lake Dam reporting schedule

The Joint Committee on Appropriations on April 30 approved a letter of intent asking for recurring progress updates on the Richmond Lake Dam project.

The committee heard from Jocelyn Jessup of the Legislative Research Council, who said the LOI would require updates to the committee in July and December each year until all project funds are expended. Representative Jorgensen, the sponsor, said legislators wanted formal, regular updates to track spending and progress.

Brock Greenfield, commissioner of the Office of School and Public Lands, told the committee he had no substantive objections to the LOI and summarized the project timeline. "We had a pre-construction meeting yesterday," Greenfield said, and "they're gonna start, right away next Monday, May 4 with the road closure and prep work." He said the work could be completed over two construction seasons but that the schedule includes a contingency allowing completion by July 2028.

Committee members asked about local engagement. Greenfield said he had met with the Lake Association and homeowners in multiple forums, including an April 8 Brown County Commission meeting, and that while some residents had alternate suggestions or concerns the overall support was "really strong." He said the office plans additional stakeholder meetings and a possible groundbreaking.

After discussion, Jeff Maloff advised the committee on motion language. Representative Casson moved to adopt the letter of intent; Representative Muckey seconded. The secretary conducted a roll call and the motion was recorded as passing (committee reported about 16 ayes and 2 absences on the record).

The committee took no further action on funding or construction contracts at the meeting; the LOI establishes recurring oversight updates. Commissioner Greenfield offered to answer follow-up questions and left the meeting after the vote.