FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PAL-VT Partners with DuBois & King

for Critical Engineering Study

of Amherst Lake Dam

Plymouth, VT – November 11, 2025 --Preserve Amherst Lake - Vermont (PAL-VT) is pleased to announce a partnership with DuBois & King, Inc., a leading regional engineering firm, to conduct an engineering study of Amherst Lake Dam (Dam No. 156.05). This critical assessment represents a major milestone in PAL-VT's ongoing efforts to restore and preserve this vital community resource.

Moving Forward with Community Support

Following notification of a federal grant award from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in late 2024, PAL-VT's Board made the strategic decision to proceed using funds raised through the organization's successful 2023 community fundraising campaign rather than waiting for federal funding.

"While we're grateful for the federal recognition and support, the government timeline and administrative requirements would have significantly delayed this critical work," explained PAL-VT spokesperson Adam Zakarian. "Our community has already waited long enough. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we're able to move forward now and get the answers we need to plan effectively for the dam's future."

This decision reflects PAL-VT's commitment to efficient stewardship of both community resources and the timeline for addressing the dam's repair.

Ongoing Partnership with Vermont Dam Safety

PAL-VT continues to work closely with the Vermont Dam Safety Program throughout this process. The organization is currently awaiting results from a recent state inspection, which will provide updated information on the dam's current condition. This collaboration ensures that all engineering work will align with state requirements and anticipated regulatory changes expected to be adopted by the Vermont Legislature in 2025.

What the Study Will Accomplish

The Phase I engineering study, scheduled for completion by late November 2025, includes three key components:

1. Dam Inspection -- DuBois & King engineers will conduct a detailed on-site inspection to document current conditions of the concrete structure, including the concrete deterioration and outlet-training wall concerns identified in previous state inspections.

2. Hydrology and Hydraulic Analysis -- The study will recreate and expand upon previous modeling to determine how the dam performs under various flood scenarios, including the critical 1,000-year flood event required under anticipated new Vermont Dam Safety regulations. This analysis will consider the 19.1 square mile watershed that flows into 80-acre Amherst Lake and downstream Echo Lake.

3. Breach Analysis and Hazard Classification -- Using advanced 2D HEC-RAS modeling, engineers will confirm the dam's hazard classification by analyzing potential failure scenarios and their downstream impacts. This analysis will produce inundation maps, which provide crucial data for understanding the risk to areas affected by potential flooding.

"DuBois & King has extensive experience in dam engineering and hydraulic analysis throughout Vermont and the region," said Michael P. Hildenbrand, P.E., Senior Project Manager at DuBois & King. "We're pleased to partner with PAL-VT on this important project. Our assessment and analysis will provide the community with the technical data needed to make informed decisions about the future of Amherst Lake Dam. This type of thorough engineering study is essential for ensuring both public safety and the long-term preservation of this valuable community resource."

Understanding the Options and Next Steps

The engineering study will provide PAL-VT with the technical information needed to make informed decisions about the dam's future. The study will evaluate the dam's ability to meet anticipated new state engineering standards and identify necessary corrective actions.

Following completion of Phase I, potential next steps may include:

Phase II: Conceptual Design and Alternatives Analysis -- Detailed evaluation of rehabilitation options, each with conceptual opinions of probable construction cost estimates.
Phase III: Design and Permitting -- Development of detailed engineering designs and securing necessary regulatory approvals.
Phase IV: Construction -- Implementation of the selected alternative.

Comprehensive Funding Strategy

Once the scope of rehabilitation is confirmed through this engineering study, PAL-VT will pursue a comprehensive funding strategy that includes both private donations and public funding sources. The organization's track record of successful grassroots fundraising, combined with demonstrated support from federal agencies, positions PAL-VT well to secure the resources needed for the dam's restoration.

"This study will give us an idea on construction schedule and costs that will be essential for grant applications and fundraising campaigns," Zakarian noted. "Understanding exactly what needs to be done and what it will cost is the critical first step toward securing the full funding needed."

A Community Effort with Broader Impact

The summer 2023 flooding that affected the region has drawn increased attention from federal, state, and local stakeholders seeking long-term solutions. PAL-VT's efforts align with broader watershed management initiatives, including work on the downstream Jewell Brook dams in Ludlow and the investigation of Money Brook, which has been a source of continued siltation in the lake system.

"The growing coalition of stakeholders working on watershed resilience throughout our region demonstrates that this isn't just about one dam -- it's about thoughtful, responsible stewardship of our shared water resources," Zakarian stated.

How Supporters Can Help

PAL-VT continues to need community support as the project advances through each phase. While the 2023 fundraising campaign successfully funded this initial engineering study, additional resources will be needed as the scope of rehabilitation becomes clear.

Supporters can contribute through the PAL-VT website at www.palvt.org or by mailing checks made out to PAL-VT at: P.O. Box 412, Ludlow, VT 05149. All donations are tax-deductible.

Looking Ahead

PAL-VT will provide regular updates as the engineering study progresses. The Board remains committed to transparency and community engagement throughout this process.

"We're taking decisive action at a pivotal moment," Zakarian stated. "This study will give us the facts we need to chart the best course forward for Amherst Lake. We're grateful to DuBois & King for their expertise, to Vermont Dam Safety for their ongoing partnership, to our federal partners for their support, and most importantly, to our community members whose donations and dedication make this work possible."

For more information or questions about the project, contact PAL-VT at board@palvt.org.

About PAL-VT
The Preserve Amherst Lake -- Vermont (PAL-VT) is a community organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of Amherst Lake Dam and the lake system it supports. Through responsible stewardship, community engagement, and collaboration with government agencies, PAL-VT works to find sustainable solutions that benefit property owners, the environment, and future generations.

About DuBois & King
Established in 1962, DuBois & King is an employee-owned, multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm providing planning, permitting, design, and survey services for federal and state agencies, municipalities, health care and education facilities, industrial and commercial building projects, energy producers, and the telecommunication industry. With offices in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York, the firm's professionals are dedicated to seeking results that contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of the communities they serve. For more information, visit www.dubois-king.com.

For more information, contact: board@palvt.org

Preserve Amherst Lake Launches First Seed Funding Campaign

July 1, 2023

PALVT has been working hard on a plan to restore the dam on Amherst Lake which we took possession of in December 2022. This has involved working closely with the state as well as a private engineering firm to begin the path to restoration. The restoration will be progressive and we are now able to anticipate phases which include:

An immediate field survey, hydrology analysis and development of engineering drawings
Applying the findings of step 1 to coordinate with the state to develop an RFP (Request for Proposal) that meets current dam requirements
Seeking competitive bids and selecting a winner
Restoration begins

We are approaching this restoration methodically, conservatively and transparently. During step 1, we will obtain key information that will result in the design and development of the construction documents for the dam restoration. With this in mind, we are launching our first round of fundraising against these and other known costs. This seed round will fund:

Task 1 Dam Inspection =$4000

Task 2 Field survey and base map preparation= $9000

Task 3 Hydraulics and hydrology analysis = $10,000

Annual cost of insurance: $6000

Annual operational costs: $2500 (post office box, closing fees, website hosting, printing, dam permits)

Our recent meetings with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

Water Investment Division, Dam Safety Program has indicated an encouraging environment and support for dam restoration. We are also encouraged by the precedent of other successful fundraising efforts to restore local dams such as Star Lake in Mt Holly and Curtis Pond in Calais, VT.

This is a community effort for a community benefit that cannot be accomplished or sustained without a collective solution and shared commitment. We urge you to give what you can now against the identified costs of the initial round outlined above to help us reach the seed stage goal.

While the pressing question on everyone’s mind relates to total cost and time to restore, we cannot isolate this explicit figure at this time other than to reference informal past estimates between $350,000 - $450,000, and to let you know that the work we are asking for funding now will be subtracted from the overall cost as well as inform the total cost. Further, no cliff or deadline would curtail restoration efforts and we will be working hard to move this project forward expediently.

In closing, we share that as a board, we are buoyed by the interest and support to date both from the community and the state. You have all helped us get this far. We are more than pleased to be at a stage where we can announce the launch of a first round of funding and we are committed to leading this effort through restoration.

We deeply thank those of you who have committed support and made donations to help us get this organization off the ground and to ensure PALVT’s ownership of the dam as a 501C3 non-profit organization.

We seek support from all sources, businesses, government agencies and individuals and we ask for your support now:

Please donate through our fundraising platform: https://givebutter.com/flDHCN

(We are using GiveButter because they charge less fees and a greater portion of your donation goes directly to dam restoration.) ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE BECAUSE WE ARE A 501(c)(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

Add your energy and expertise to our organization: email us to get involved at board@palvt.org .

Thank you in advance for your support and please reach out with any questions to board@palvt.org and one of our board members will be pleased to speak to you personally.

Donate Now!

There's a New Non-Profit In Town: Preserve Amherst Lake

Reprinted from Salt Ash Owners Association Newsletter

January 2023

There’s a new non-profit in town – Preserve Amherst Lake – https://www.palvt.org/. In just a few short months they have already accomplished several very significant goals: six motivated individuals with a shared devotion to preserve Amherst Lake have formed a 501c3 non-profit, have launched a successful petition and initial fundraising drive, and have purchased the dam and adjacent land which provides direct access. Their primary goal is to repair or replace the dam and then move forward to maintain the health of the lake while benefiting both ecological and human needs.

The new non-profit will have a seven-member board and is working hard to develop all the necessary requirements for its continued growth – bylaws, financial viability and a strong membership base that will sustain activities necessary to preserve and maintain the health of the lake into the future. The organization vows to be as transparent as possible while building both its member base and financial status. Clearly, the dam repair will be a sizable initial investment, so grants, donations, state and private funds are all being actively pursued.

PAL-VT is currently seeking engineering consults to provide a sound basis for pursuing competitive bids for the actual dam repair. While it remains to be seen what exactly the best option is, the hope is to bring the lake back to its original status while benefiting both those with property rights on the lake as well as all those in the surrounding community who value and enjoy the lake. The health of the natural environment including water quality, flora and fauna are high priorities.

While the original six individuals who banded to together to purchase the dam have accomplished a great deal so far, PAL-VT is seeking volunteers with expertise in the areas of financial management, fundraising, membership development, grant writing, event planning, and engineering. Those interested in helping can contact board@palvt.org.

Check out more Preserve Amherst Lake articles.

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PALVT.org Makes a Splash with Launch this Summer

July 1, 2022

Anyone using the boat launch at the northern end of Lake Amherst will quickly see that the water

level of the lake is way down. A walk or drive on Scout Camp Road reveals two marshes in the process of drying up. The road is littered with bodies of frogs and salamanders. The river is so

low in places that the water has a greenish cast. What is going on?

A sign posted at the boat launch by the State of Vermont tells some of the story. “Notice — Due to public safety concerns with the condition of Amherst Lake Dam, the water surface is being

maintained at the current level for the foreseeable future.”

In response to the significant changes to the lake, with the imminent threat of further lowering of the lake level if the dam is removed, a nonprofit, PAL-VT Association, has been formed by concerned landowners and citizens. The mission is to preserve Amherst Lake, starting with saving the dam.

The dam, constructed in the 1950s by the power company, has been inspected by the state and deemed in need of repair if it is to remain. PAL-VT believes the dam can be repaired —estimates

range from $50,000 to $500,000 —and is seeking support, members and donations. PAL-VT has

applied for 501C3 tax status so donations are tax-exempt from the date the application was filed.

“We have to intervene now to preserve our lake and avoid the state’s determining the future,” says Richard Ruggiano, president of PAL-VT. “We intend to take ownership of the dam from the

current owners who plan to apply for a grant to remove the dam.”

Organizers of PAL-VT believe in the duty of the greater community to retain Amherst Lake’s beauty, ecological health, vitality and its role as a beloved recreational site.

For more information, contact board@palvt.org

Check out more Preserve Amherst Lake articles.