Multi-year project aiming to reduce flooding in Yahara lakes now underway

MADISON, Wis. — A multi-year project aiming to reduce flooding in Dane County lakes is underway.

Dane County has begun the first phase of the Yaraha Chain of Lakes Sediment Removal Project. Dredging equipment is working to open channels between lakes Monona and Waubesa.

The project will help improve water flow, flood storage capacity and fish and wildlife habitats in the lakes.

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said it will also add jobs.

“Beginning next year, we are going to be doing it ourselves,” said Parisi. “County government is staffing up and purchasing equipment and hiring four additional staff people who will do the dredging subsequent to the dredging that happens today.”

The project is happening in four phases, which will take four years to complete and will cost between $10-15 million.

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