A federal spending bill includes $54 million for ongoing repairs at the Wolf Creek Dam in Kentucky. The funds are targeted at stopping seepage and stabilizing the lake's level once the fixes are done.more>> The Army Corps of Engineers lowered Lake Cumberland in southern Kentucky by about 40 feet earlier this year, as repairs are being made on leaking Wolf Creek Dam. more>> If Wolf Creek Dam breaks, much of Middle Tennessee would be underwater, killing thousands of people. That's the threat. The dam needs to be fixed. more>> NewsChannel 5's Nick Beres went deep inside Wolf Creek Dam to see damages for himself, and learn about what is being done to save the dam. more>>
JAMESTOWN, Ky. (AP) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Lake Cumberland will maintain a lower water level while repairs continue at the dam that impounds the massive reservoir.
Officials announced earlier this year that the water level would be dropped 40 feet from its typical summertime mark while work is done at Wolf Creek Dam in Russell County, Ky.
The Corps has said the dam is leaking and is in urgent need of repair.
The Corps said in a statement Friday that risk to the area is lower because of reduced pressure on the dam and decreased seepage.
Part of the $309 million repair project includes pouring runny cement into underground caverns to plug leaks.
The Corps said that portion of the project should be completed by September.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
