North Huntingdon plans to drain Indian Lake for repairs

North Huntingdon plans to drain and dredge Indian Lake in the coming years. This decision affects many anglers who enjoy fishing in the park. Township officials aim to apply for a $1.33 million grant to fund this multi-phase project. The project includes dredging silt buildup, repairing the Kenda Dam streambank, and reinforcing a nearby covered bridge. Lydia Kinkaid, the township's parks and recreation coordinator, emphasized that Indian Lake is a vital resource that needs care. The draining and dredging work may happen during the construction seasons of 2027 or 2028. Senior project engineer Robert Robinson estimated the costs at around $730,000 for dredging and $258,000 for dam stabilization. Replacing the covered bridge is expected to cost about $220,000. North Huntingdon has been planning this project since last year to address dam repairs and silt issues. The dredging will help improve water quality as part of a broader stormwater management plan. The township is collaborating with the state Fish and Boat Commission and KU Resources, an engineering firm, for this work. The project will remove approximately 10,000 cubic yards of sediment from the lake, according to Kinkaid. After removal, the sediment will be allowed to dry before being taken away. Also, invasive plants around the dam will be removed, and the dam's concrete base will be replaced. Fish in the lake will be relocated to minimize habitat disruption during the project. Town officials will ensure that the new environment has a similar temperature to Indian Lake. They may also apply for additional federal funds to support the project. The township's plans demonstrate a commitment to improving local parks while balancing the needs of wildlife and recreation.