Arkabutla Dam repairs reach major milestone amid funding uncertainty

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reached a significant milestone in the repair of the Arkabutla Dam in Mississippi. Crews have completed Phase 2 of interim risk reduction measures, which involved grouting within the dam’s outlet works to fill subsurface voids and stabilize the foundation. This work follows the 2023 discovery of a sinkhole near the toe of the dam that posed a potential breach risk.

While the grouting helps stabilize the structure and reduce flooding risks for downstream communities, officials noted that these measures are considered a temporary fix. The long-term solution will require the construction of a new outlet works structure. The Corps will continue to monitor the dam closely and maintain a target pool level of 204 feet until permanent repairs are completed.

Funding for the remainder of the project, which could span at least the next seven years, remains an open question. Despite the ongoing work, recreational areas of Arkabutla Lake remain open, with some exceptions for areas directly downstream of the dam.