DaytonDailyNews.com

WEST CARROLLTON — What started out as an endeavor by the Miami Conservancy District to make safer low dams along the Great Miami River could result in a West Carrollton recreational destination for kayak and boating enthusiasts.

Kurt Rinehart, MCD chief engineer, said his office has sent out packets to Miami Valley communities where low dams exist to gain feedback and gauge how much funding each community can contribute to their specific low-dam modifications.

The MCD is slated in late May to present its findings.

Some low-dams, such as the one that straddles the Great Miami River in West Carrollton and Moraine, have more potential as recreational destinations than others, Rinehart said.

The wide-sized river area of the low-dam in West Carrollton "really lends itself to being a recreational destination," Rinehart said, because "it has a bigger drop and is already in a big park."

While some grant money is likely, the MCD estimates the cost of the low-dam modifications to range between $4 million and $5 million and be built on a rolling basis.

West Carrollton City Manager Brad Townsend said city officials are encouraged about the project, because it fits the city's long-range riverfront redevelopment plans.

"We're excited about the possibility. There's no question about it," Townsend said. "They're talking about putting in a white water course that could host regional and national events."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-9338 or

kmcallister@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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