After 60 years in operation, Decker Dam at Walter E. Long Lake is getting an upgrade. According to a press release from the city, Austin Energy will replace the gates and anchors for the dam, which were designed and installed in 1967. “Almost 60 years later, it’s time to improve and upgrade that equipment, bringing it up to current regulations and specifications, increasing safety and protecting a local gem for the future,” notes the release. At the moment, Austin Energy is drafting the requirements for the upgrade, with an anticipated start date in 2025 and an expectation the project will be wrapped up sometime in 2027. To prepare for the project, the city is going to let evaporation lower lake levels to 550 feet. Once the levels are below 554 feet, boat ramps will close, though lake access will remain for shore-launched boats, like kayaks.
Elizabeth Pagano is the editor of the Austin Monitor. More by Elizabeth Pagano