News from Supervisor James Walkinshaw
At this week’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved my motion to advance the smaller lake option at Lake Accotink, which was a key finding developed by the Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink and shared in their findings report.
I believe that the smaller lake option meets the community's desire to sustainably preserve the lake. You can read more about the Board’s decision in the Washington Post.
A feasibility study with robust community engagement will determine the best methods, costs, onsite sediment reuse potential, permitting challenges, maintenance dredging intervals, and other needs to preserve a 20-40 acre Lake Accotink at a depth of 4-8 feet. We will also conduct a sedimentation rate study, assess the condition of the dam, establish a staff position to coordinate all of the activities related to Lake Accotink, and maintain the $60,500,000 commitment to Lake Accotink in our Capital Improvement Program. The studies, assessment, and analysis will proceed immediately and concurrently, and the Board will receive from staff a timetable for their completion.
I will continue to share major developments in the next steps of the process with you, including future opportunities for community engagement.
While there is much work yet to be done, and unforeseen barriers could arise, this is a watershed moment. I deeply appreciate the community members who contributed to this process, especially members of the Task Force, including former Chairman Sharon Bulova and former Supervisor John Cook.
