Provo Harbor Dredge Updates

[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]I finally got a reply to my request for more info on the upcoming Provo Harbor dredging. For those who planned to use the harbor during this (higher water) year, the news is not good. Looks like we have our friends the Junies to thank for the extended project.
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In regards to your questions about the Utah Lake State Park dredging, I do have a few details, but I am also waiting for more information. Currently, the project is up for bid. The bid closes on March 2, and from what I have heard there are 13 contractors interested. The rough window of time for the project, if all goes through with the contractors, etc., etc., is mid-March to mid-August. That is primarily because the law says that their coffer dam has to be put in before April 1, and cannot be removed any earlier than August 1, due to the spawning season of the endangered June Sucker. It could be longer, but everyone involved seems optimistic on that estimated time of completion.

For now, until the contract is finalized, they are projecting that the entire park will be closed for the duration of the project. That means no access, for anything. However, that could change if the contractor wants to only work 5 days a week, etc.

As to what will be included in the project, it will depend significantly on the contractor who wins the bid. With the funds that are available to pay for the project, at minimum we have heard that the inner marina and the channel will be dredged, all boating hazards (concrete chunks, rocks, etc.) will be removed.

As I said at the beginning, those are the reports I am receiving from the park management so far, but all of it can change. The next step to solidifying that information will be the contract award date of March 2. Make sure to reach out to me after that deadline if you haven't heard anything yet.

Thanks again for your continued interest in Utah Lake, and your help with informing people as to the projects, etc.



Sam Braegger
Outreach Coordinator
Utah Lake Commission
O: 801-851-2904
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[Kent]

It looks like I will be getting familiar again with Lindon and perhaps American Fork boat harbors this year.
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[Therapist]

Thanks Pat for the info. I do have several questions about the project.

First, why is the work going to be done from March to August, shutting down the park and access to the lake and revenue for the Park ?? If they want to protect the spawning of the June sucker, why not work through the winter when the Junies are semi dormant ??

Second, will the dredging include the mouth of the river ?? The river has silted in at the mouth to the point that is is only 6-10 inches deep, with lots of soft silt! ( tried to launch my toon, sank into the mud about 10 inches).

Third, will the dredging include the inner harbor to deepen it, or will it only include a channel, as in the past, along the northern dike out to the mouth of the channel ??

I realize we are dealing with gummint here, but doesn't anyone think about simple things like this ?? Maybe I am off base, but ????

[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]As Sam stated in his reply, he is still waiting for a lot of answers as well. And he has promised to forward any new definitive updates he gets.

My understanding is that they are going to erect a coffer dam around the entrance to the harbor and then pump out the trapped water. That will allow them to bring in heavy excavation equipment when the mud is dry enough. Then they will scoop out all of the bottom sediments, rocks and trash...down to a prescribed depth. That will include all the inside of the harbor and the channel. Not sure how far out they will dredge the channel.

Also, to my knowledge there has been no mention of deepening the river channel out into the lake. It could definitely use some more depth, especially during low water years like this past one. But because the Junie huggers are already trying to re-establish a shallow "delta" outflow of the Provo River I'm doubtful there will be much emphasis placed on channelizing the river outlet.

I first received info on the proposed dredging of the harbor about last April. Supposedly it was all approved and funded...and they even had a contractor secured. And it would have been good timing...to do the dredging while the water was too low for boats anyway. But politics/bureaucracy or plain old stupid/bad luck slid in and derailed the project...and time limits expired. So back to the refunding and re selecting a contractor process.

Now the harbor will be closed during the first really good water year in a long time. It would have been preferable to do the work during the winter, but this is Utah. Cain't do nuttin' 'til it warms up in the spring. And with the Junies figgerin' into the time schedule...well, that's how it is.

To err is human. But it takes gummint to really screw things up.
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[fish_fear_me2]

I wish they had completed this last year as advertised but then I wish for a lot of things. It would be nice to have the harbor back but on the other foot closing it from april to august is disappointing since there is a possibility we will actually get water into the lake this year. Well I guess for the good of the harbors future I will have to fish elsewhere dont mean I will be happy about it.
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]You mirror the feelings of a whole lot of other folks who enjoy fishing in and around the Provo Harbor. But look at it as an opportunity to learn new areas and to expand your horizons.

As the optimistic pessimist says..."My glass is half full...but I just know some SOB is gonna knock it over."
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[MisterCompletely]

On a more optimistic note, the lake is now about 2 1/2 feet higher than it was at its lowest, last November. It's almost as high as it was at its highest last May. Lookin' good so far! []
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