City Administrator Happy Welch said it is not possible to determine how badly the ramp has deteriorated with the lake at its current level and until the extent of the damage is known, it's not possible to estimate how long repairs will take or how much they will cost. He does feel, however, that allowing vehicles to continue to use the ramp is now a safety issue for the dam structure itself and establishing other access points could potentially damage the dam as well. He said he does not expect the ramp to be re-opened this year.
Bank fishing is allowed, and boats that can be hand-carried can be used on the lake.
The aldermen plan to discuss the matter at further length during the next Public Works Committee meeting, Tuesday, June 5, 6 p.m. That meeting is open to the public.
In the meantime, the city will refund the cost of the boat permit and fishing license to anyone who has already purchased them
