Lake Mohee Dam Estimate Holds at $2 Million — Board Rejects $5 Million Option in Blackford County

From the Blackford County Drainage Board meeting on August 3, 2026

The Blackford County Drainage Board received an update on the Lake Mohee Dam project with two design options from engineers.

Option A — a two-lane road with a 500-year flood return standard — would cost an estimated $5 million. Option B — a one-lane road matching the current 49-foot configuration with a 100-year flood return spillway — holds at approximately $2 million, the same estimate from two to three years ago.

The board clearly favored Option B. A commissioner said the board is "not interested in spending $3 million for a fictitious" 500-year flood event that is "most likely not ever to happen" but "mathematically possible."

Drainage Consultant Paul Schriver noted the downstream slope needs fill added because it is currently too steep, which is cheaper than installing guardrails. Guardrails are not required on the water side. Engineering designs are complete.

The county is working with the auditor and county council to formalize budget funding. Construction costs have not risen significantly in the past year, helping keep the estimate stable.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County Drainage Board Meeting, August 3, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.