Argo Embankment Bypass Approved

At its Nov. 15, 2010 meeting, the Ann Arbor city council approved a $1,168,170 bypass around the Argo dam that will take the place of the current headrace, which is separated from the Huron River by an earthen embankment. The bypass will eliminate the portage currently required by canoeists. It would also allow the city to comply with the consent order the city has with the state of Michigan that requires the city to address the repair of toe drains in the embankment.

The funding will come partly from $300,000 that had been reserved for dam maintenance from the city’s drinking water fund. There is a proviso that if additional funds external to the city can be identified – for example, from the county – they’ll be applied first to reduce the need to use the $300,000 reserved from the drinking water fund. Carsten Hohnke (Ward 5) was the lone voice of dissent, based on the funding to be drawn from the drinking water fund.

This brief was filed from city council chambers. A more detailed report of the meeting will follow: [link]