State Controlling Board sets aside $200,000 to restore Wingfoot Lake Dam in Suffield

State Rep. Gail Pavliga said she has helped secure funding to restore the Wingfoot Lake Dam in Suffield.

Pavliga, a Republican from Atwater, said the Ohio State Controlling Board recently approved $200,000 in funding for the Wingfoot Lake Wildlife Area. The funding will be used for construction and repairs of the dam.

“This important funding is necessary to ensure the safety standards of the dam are met as it is a vital part to the Wingfoot Lake Wildlife Area," she said. "The protection of animals and preservation of our parks is very important and I’m pleased to see this funding will assist our own state park right here in the 75th District.”

The funding will be used to contract engineering services and conduct a detailed assessment and alternatives analysis for the concrete overflow section of the dam. The project also includes soil borings, surveying, final design services, construction bidding documents, and construction administration for the interim risk reduction measures.

Wingfoot Lake Dam is a Class II structure that is owned and operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife in Wingfoot Lake Wildlife Area. The impoundment is used for fishing and recreation. The structure does not now meet established dam safety standards.

The ODNR, through the Division of Wildlife is responsible for the management of Wingfoot Lake Wildlife Area. Originally built by the Quaker Oats Company and subsequently purchased by Goodyear, the Wingfoot Lake Dam last underwent major repair work in 1993. The ODNR purchased the dam in 2009. Currently, the Wingfoot Lake Dam is part of the Wingfoot Lake Wildlife Area with the lake a critical part of the adjacent Wingfoot Lake State Park.