Lake Delhi Dam Break

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver today praised the quick action of citizens and emergency personnel in response to a dam break at Lake Delhi today which sent the Maquoketa River cascading downstream, causing flash flooding. Culver says it appears the immediate danger has passed, and while damage is mainly due to agricultural flooding, communities downstream of the Maquoketa River are prepared for possible impacts.

“While flooding now seems to be all too common in Iowa, especially as parts of the state have received more than 300 percent of their annual rainfall total already this year, we are bringing all needed resources to bear on the Lake Delhi dam breach and will be working with the local officials in Monticello, Hopkinton and other affected communities and will assist and support them throughout the recovery and rebuilding process,” Culver said.

Upon hearing of the dam failure, Culver immediately traveled to the Jones County town of Monticello, where he met personally with emergency personnel. Culver has sent National Guard troops to the area and has activated the state Emergency Operation Center at Camp Dodge, which coordinates emergency response.

Culver has also issued a disaster proclamation for Delaware and Jones counties, allowing state resources to be utilized to deal with damage caused by the storms.

Application information for residents in counties where the State Individual Assistance Grant Program has been made available is posted on the Iowa Department of Human Services’ Web site, www.dhs.state.ia.us; or call toll-free 1-866-434-4692 for more information.





Lake Delhi History

Lake Delhi was created in the 1920's by the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Maquoketa River. Since that time the Lake Delhi area has grown to be the weekend retreat or home to over 900 residents. The Lake Delhi Recreation Association became the owners of the dam and other properties on Lake Delhi in 1973.

Since 1973, the LDRA has actively maintained and improved the dam, restored and improved areas on the lake such as Lost Beach, supported water quality efforts, dredging, sponsored fish stocking, and represented the lake residents' interests whenever needed.
Since 1989, Lake Delhi property owners pay a property assessment in the Benefited Lake Tax District to provide funds for the LDRA to operate. It is these funds along with LDRA membership fees, donations and grants which have been used to repair the dam and dredge Lake Delhi. The benefited tax district funds are administered by the tax district trustees.