The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has determined that a major earthquake could seriously damage Tuttle Creek Dam and result in an uncontrolled release of the lake. Dam failure resulting from an earthquake or extreme flood event could result in loss of life and substantial property damage in downstream area including the City of Manhattan. The lake covers approximately 12,500 acres north of Manhattan.

The Corps will release a Draft Evaluation Report and Draft Environmental Impact Statement on April 16, 2002.

A community meeting is scheduled to present an update on the study, discuss the documents, and receive comments. The meeting will be held Tuesday, May 7, 2002, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn, at 530 Richards Drive.

The Environmental Impact Statement and Evaluation ‘Report will define the existing conditions, identify alternatives to address the concerns, describe the environmental effects of these alternatives, and discuss the measures that would be taken to minimize or offset those effects. The Corps will also propose a preferred alternative to address earthquake concerns. In addition, the report will describe proposed minor modifications to prevent major damage during an extreme flood. The proposed preferred alternative is not a final decision and community input on the documents will be requested prior to finalizing the documents.

Copies of the documents will be available for viewing at the Corps Lake office, at public libraries in the project area, or on the Internet at www.nwk.usace.army.mil/tcdam

Copies of the documents can be requested from Bill Empson, U.S. Army Corps of engineers, Kansas City District, 601 E. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo 64106-2896.