Funding flows again for Zink Dam overhaul

TULSA - On any given afternoon you will find rowing teams going up and down the Arkansas River in Zink Lake, people fishing off the pedestrian bridge and along the banks.

In a year, things are going to start changing around the site - many say for the better.

"It's obviously great news, it's very positive news for Tulsa," said Jarred Brejcha with the mayor's office.

Twenty-five million dollars in funding has been approved through the sell of bonds.

The money will be used to redesign and reconstruct the dam.

Brejcha said it means a lot of things.

"More private development along the river hopefully, it's going to mean greater access to the amenities and the activities along the river and throughout our river parks."

The nearly 30-year-old dam will change to a cascade or stair-step look.

Leaders say if there is enough money the new design will create areas white water rafting.

River Parks Director Matt Meyer says there will also be more water in the lake.

"It will raise the dam up to three feet higher, it'll put gates 40 to 50-percent of the way across to allow sand and silt to pass thru over the dam."

The gates were recently repaired; a system that is said to be a drowning hazard.

The repairs were only temporary.

"What we have done recently in the last few months is just a short-term band aid in terms of fixing the hydraulic systems so the gates can go up and down."

The multi-million dollar project is set to start in 2013, and will take 20 to 24 months to finish.

But work along the river will not be done.

"The Zink Dam is really the first phase of the overall Arkansas River corridor, the master plans calls for the additional damns," Meyer said.

Those additional dams are for Sand Springs and Jenks.

The plans are in place, but it is not apart of this money.