Lake Junaluska Dam Restoration Fund
The Lake Junaluska Dam was built in 1912. It is classified by the State of North Carolina as an intermediate sized, Class “C” High Hazard Potential Structure. This means that without proper maintenance, a failure could cause loss of life and significant property damage. Therefore regular inspections are required. The last maintenance project was done in 1977.
Lake Junaluska Dam |
Several years ago the State of NC Inspectors determined the dam needed major repairs. In November 2001 SEJAC was faced with regulatory intervention and potential sanctions if a Repair Plan was not submitted. SEJAC hired Pinnacle Engineering of Asheville, N.C. to assess the work and draw plans for permitting. Studies were done and structural engineers determined that the spillway and twenty-six of the thirty-three buttresses needed major renovation.
Repairs and reconstruction of the Dam were done through RCF Construction of Waynesville, NC. The construction cost for the entire project was $3,200,000. Debt service (interest) cost on funds borrowed to complete the project through 12/31/2007 was $340,000. The outstanding debt on this Dam project as of 6/30/2008 is $1,960,500. The Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference in 2008 approved the continuing of the special asking known as Lake Junaluska Dam Restoration Fund. The voluntary fund will ask $0.50 from each local church member to be paid over the 2009-2012 quadrennium. The proceeds of this fund will be used to pay for the debt for the Lake Junaluska Dam project and to continue to keep the Dam and Lake Junaluska in line with North Carolina code. The continuation of the special asking was approved by the 2008 SEJ Conference.
Future needs for the Lake Junaluska Dam and Lake will include the rebuilding the spillway of the Dam and replacing the controls inside the dam as well as removal of silt buildup at the south end of Lake Junaluska where Richland Creek feeds into the Lake.
Donations to the Lake Junaluska Dam Restoration Fund should be made through your Conference Treasurer’s Office. For more information please contact:
Raúl Alegría
Southeastern Jurisdiction Treasurer
759 N. Lakeshore
Lake Junaluska. NC 28745
(828) 454-6712
E-mail
Special Asking Letter (PDF document)