Sawyer Lake commissioners push dam engineering work with ARPA funds, warn of possible 12-inch lake drawdown if funding falls short

Commissioner Rick Milliken told voters the district is using federal ARPA funds to complete permits and engineering for long-term dam repairs rather than to pay for full construction. He said the current grant is critical for pre-construction work but is insufficient to cover construction costs.

Milliken described the district’s concept for state submittal: modifications to the existing spillway using 18-inch flashboards and combining the two discharge channels into a single, automated gate intended to maintain lake level while meeting state requirements. He said the district’s objective is to obtain state approval of engineering plans that are stamped and ready, which will allow the district to seek funding extensions and apply for additional grants or financing over multiple years.

Milliken warned that, absent additional funding or approvals, the worst-case scenario could be a state requirement to lower the lake by 12 inches. He said he is pushing NH Dams, the engineering firm, to submit the concept to the state quickly and that he had a meeting scheduled with NH Dams on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Commissioners noted DES granted an extension for the dam work in 2025. The treasurer confirmed the ARPA dam grant has a restricted balance of $175,344.94 to be used for the dam project’s pre-construction activities. Milliken said once concept approval is obtained the district can proceed to obtain stamped construction drawings and pursue construction funding.