The funding award includes:
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City of Marion – Lady Marian Dam (Dam Safety Grant – Design/Construction/Match): $2,781,538
Addressing a High-Hazard Dam
Lady Marian Dam, constructed in 1965, is classified as a 34-foot high-hazard potential dam, meaning a failure could threaten lives and significant downstream infrastructure. An Emergency Action Plan for the dam identifies 67 properties at risk, including Lady Marian Plaza shopping center, businesses along Main Street, more than 50 residential properties, public streets, and a U.S. highway.
The dam’s only spillway consists of a 34-foot concrete riser connected to a box culvert system that carries water beneath Westwood Chateau Drive and into the Garden Creek drainage network. Over time, geotechnical and structural issues developed within the spillway system, creating significant safety concerns.
As a result, Lady Marian Lake has remained drained since 2019 while the City and project partners evaluated long-term solutions.
A Long-Term Solution: Dam Decommissioning
A 2020 feasibility study determined that the safest and most practical approach would be to permanently drain the reservoir and convert the dam into a dry impoundment, eliminating the structure’s ability to store water.
Traditional dam breaching methods were considered but determined to be cost-prohibitive due to the depth of the spillway infrastructure and its proximity to public roads and nearby residential structures. Instead, engineers identified trenchless technology as the most feasible method to replace the failing box culvert and support the dam’s decommissioning.
Using funding from a 2021 FEMA High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) Grant, the City retained Terracon to develop engineering plans for the project based on the approved feasibility study.
Hurricane Helene Changes the Plan
While the City awaited construction funding for the project, flooding from Hurricane Helene caused the dam’s 35-foot concrete riser to collapse, significantly altering site conditions and creating the need for immediate stabilization work to protect the remaining spillway.
Emergency stabilization plans were prepared and implemented with FEMA funding to ensure the structure remained safe while a revised long-term solution was developed.
The newly awarded NC Dam Safety Grant will support the redesign of the previously approved decommissioning plans to accommodate the conditions created by the storm damage. The funding will also help provide the required non-federal match associated with the pending FEMA HHPD construction grant needed to fully implement the dam decommissioning project.
Supporting Communities Through Complex Infrastructure Challenges
The Lady Marian Dam project reflects the challenges many communities face when managing aging infrastructure, particularly when compounded by natural disasters.
WithersRavenel’s Funding & Finance team worked closely with the City of Marion to navigate complex federal and state funding programs, helping position the project to secure the resources needed to move forward.
By supporting projects like Lady Marian Dam, WithersRavenel helps local governments address infrastructure risks, protect communities, and plan for safer, more resilient futures.
Funding & Finance Expertise That Delivers Results
Securing funding for infrastructure improvements often requires navigating complex application processes, regulatory requirements, and tight deadlines.
WithersRavenel’s Funding & Finance professionals work alongside local governments to identify funding opportunities, develop competitive applications, and manage compliance requirements throughout the life of a project.
If your community is pursuing funding for infrastructure improvements, WithersRavenel can help guide the process—from identifying opportunities to developing applications and managing compliance.
