Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers
on Civil Works Activities
Fiscal Year 1972
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers
Extract Report of Walla Walla District

Mill Creek Lake, Washington

Location. In and upstream from Walla Walla, Washington, on Mill Creek, a tributary of the Walla Walla River.

Existing project. Off-stream earthfill storage dam about 125 feet high above streambed and 3,200 feet long at the crest, outlet works, diversion works, and division structure were authorized by 1938 Flood Control Act. Channel through the city of Walla Walla was added to the project by 1941 Flood Control Act based on plans in H. Doc. 719, 76th Cong., 3d Sess. For further details, see page 2005 of Annual Report for 1962. Federal cost of original project was $2,162,155. Construction of completed project was $2,162,155. Construction of additional recreation facilities for completed project is estimated to cost $372,000 (July 1972), raising total estimated cost to $2,534,155.

Local cooperation. Fully complied with. For details, see page 2006 of Annual Report of 1962.

Operations and results during fiscal year. Operation and Maintenance: Ordinary general maintenance by Government forces continued, which included routine regulation of water control structures and care of recreation area. Contracts for modification of the Mill Creek-Yellowhawk-Garrison division structure and for paving a recreation area parking lot were completed. A contract was also awarded for road relocation.

Condition at end of fiscal year. Construction of the dam and appurtenant works was completed in 1942. Paving of the channel through the city of Walla Walla was completed in 1948. Park and recreation facilities were opened to the public July 1, 1964.