Report Analyzes Economic Impact At Buckeye Lake

There is a new report out this week about the economic impact of dam problems at Buckeye Lake. It concludes keeping the lake shallow while its deteriorated dam is replaced could risk 1,100 jobs and 160-million dollars in economic losses over five years. Local economic development groups commissioned the reported released Tuesday. Engineers had warned the nearly 180-year-old earthen dam was at risk of failing, and the state lowered the lake as a precaution. That hinders water activities and tourism, upsetting locals. Some local officials who sought the study by Cleveland based Silverlode Consulting say they want to persuade the state to help affected businesses or possible considering raising the water. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says it recognizes the lower water negatively affects the community. It says that’s why it decided not to drain the lake and start dam design work immediately.