MANAWA, WI – Manawa’s plans to rebuild its dam, destroyed during a devastating rainstorm one year ago, have been delayed due to a lack of funding in the state budget.
The original dam failed on July 5, 2024, when over 5.5 inches of rain fell within just four hours. The heavy rainfall overwhelmed the aging structure, causing major flooding and damage across the city. The Manawa Mill Pond, a 180-acre lake with nearly 5 miles of shoreline, was directly affected.
Mayor Mike Frazier confirmed Tuesday that the city’s request for state and federal funds was unsuccessful. “Well, we’re needless to say disappointed,” Frazier said. “But, as we have discussed briefly, we’ll have to look at other different funding and go on from there.”
The current estimated cost to build a new dam is $8.4 million, and that number could climb the longer funding is delayed. The city cannot simply repair the old dam, as it was built in 1920 and no longer meets modern safety standards.
The July 2024 flood forced dozens of home evacuations, damaged two roads, and flooded the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Lindsey Park, next to the dam, was left buried in debris and sewage. In all, 24 properties were impacted.
Manawa has secured a USDA grant of over $400,000 for shoreline restoration, though even that work was slowed to protect spawning sturgeon and walleye.
Next steps include discussions between the city council and Cedar Corporation, the engineering firm hired for the project, to identify potential grant opportunities.
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