WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District will begin construction projects at Mill Creek, June 10, to improve habitat conditions for endangered salmonids and improve flood risk management operations, while also replacing the boat ramp for public use at Bennington Lake.
The construction will result in multiple closures to public access at the district’s Mill Creek Project, including Bennington Lake, to ensure public safety during construction. Drawdown of the lake will begin Aug. 5, with an objective to fully drain Bennington Lake by the end of August.
Closures from June 10 to Oct. 31 will include: Kingfisher Trail, the entire South Levee (east of the operating project office/visitor center), the pedestrian bridge near Mill Creek Dam and south of Rooks Park (see map for more details). These closures will allow construction of the Mill Creek Low Flow Channel. This project will improve habitat conditions for endangered salmonids. The project, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will modify 40 weirs within the federally operated portion of the Mill Creek flood control channel, immediately downstream from the diversion dam.
Construction at Bennington Lake will begin after Labor Day weekend and be from Sept. 3, 2024, to Jan. 17, 2025. This work will focus on improving flood risk management capabilities at the lake while also installing a new boat ramp for public use. Closures will involve the following areas: Reservoir Rd. (main gate to Bennington Lake) will be closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, the Bennington Lake recreation area. Intermittent trail closures will be required but most trails will remain open.
Public may access trails along Reservoir Rd, pedestrian bridge near the project office, Rooks Park, Mill Creek Trail (North Levee), Whitetail Trail & Meadowlark Trail (North of Bennington Lake), during normal park hours.
Public may park at the visitor center parking lot, Rooks Park parking lot and limited parking at dirt lot on Reservoir Rd (near gate closure).
All closures will remain in effect during establishment closure dates or until further notice.