Burlington Voters to See Referendum Question on Echo Lake Dam in November

According to an update from the City of Burlington, a referendum question will appear on the November 8 general election ballot regarding the Echo Lake Dam. The referendum will read as follows:

Echo Lake Dam needs significant repairs in order to make the dam comply with state law. The city has received one million dollars ($1,000,0000) in grant funding and additional dollars may still be available to reduce the overall estimated project costs. In order to remedy this situation, should the City of Burlington:

• Remove the dam, draining Echo Lake, and restoring the resulting natural stream area with new park amenities, which is currently estimated to cost taxpayers $7.7 million?

OR,

• Repair the dam, keep and dredge Echo Lake, and expand existing park amenities, which is currently estimated to cost taxpayers $8.1 million?

In the next few months leading up to the election, staff will be conducting educational open houses and sending FAQ mailers to provide the community with specific information regarding both options with Echo Lake Dam.