PROJECT PURPOSE

Lake Gondola is located immediately downstream of the Lake Lawtonka Dam and the Medicine Park Water Treatment Facility. Lake Gondola is a relatively small recreational lake formed on Medicine Creek by Lake Gondola Dam. The historic Town of Medicine Park is located around Lake Gondola and Medicine Creek with tourism being it' prime source of revenue. Records are scare on Lake Gondola Dam and it is likely 80 or more years old. Recent severe floods have impacted this small dam causing portions of the uppermost extension (cobblestone construction) to fail, effectively lowering the level of Lake Gondola. This project will repair the dam using native materials, but current engineering, restoring the integrity of the dam and the level of Lake Gondola. This project while ostensibly a storm water infrastructure repair, is critical for the continued tourism and economic development of Medicine Park.

EVIDENCE

Reconstruction of the dam using native materials and modern engineering/techniques will preserve both the structure and the aesthetics within the Medicine Park Community.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

While Southwest Oklahoma continues to work very hard to improve conditions for our citizens, we continue to struggle with poverty and decline. With 18.5% of our population in poverty and only 45% of our households in owner occupied homes. Our median household income pf just less than $48,000 is more than 10% below the state. Southwestern Oklahoma has felt impact of the pandemic through stagnant municipal revenues and significantly increasing costs due to supply delays and labor shortage. This storm water project positively impacts the rural community of Medicine Park and secures Lake Gondola as a tourism resource.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The success of the dam repair can be measured directly. The dam is inspected annually. Also can be measured with the Increase number of visitors to the Lake.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma

PROGRAM CATEGORY

Investments in Water, Sewer, and Broadband

PROGRAM SUBCATEGORY

Clean Water: Stormwater

FEDERAL GRANT AMOUNT

$

FEDERAL GRANT DESCRIPTION

Lawton receives funding from the FTA, FHA, and HUD.

HQ COUNTY

Comanche

ENTITY TYPE

Municipal government entity

Data source: Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services / More information ยป