The Wilora Lake Rehabilitation Project will enhance water quality to downstream waters by rebuilding the dam on the currently deteriorated pond.  Forebays, littoral shelves and other techniques will be utilized to optimize water quality benefits.  The project is currently in the Design Phase.

Objectives:

Cost:  $1,200,000 Please note that this figure includes all costs associated with the project such as planning and design, utility relocation, consultant fees, construction, permits and landscaping. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) project team will manage the Wilora Lake Rehabilitation Project through the phases listed below.  Specific work is conducted during each phase while an emphasis is made on public involvement throughout the entire project.

Planning Phase (Completed September 2005)
During the planning phase, questionnaires and public meetings were used to obtain input from property owners.  Several improvement alternatives were developed and evaluated to determine the best solution.  A recommended alternative was selected and used as a guide for the design. 

Design Phase (Completed June 2009)
In November 2006, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) approached City Council for approval of the design contract for Wilora Lake, but the contract was not approved. Council raised questions regarding Storm Water working on private ponds for water quantity and water quality benefits. Storm Water shared information regarding the City's pond policy and the benefits gained from pond projects similar to Wilora Lake, and Council approved the pond policy on May 29th.

City Council approved funding for the design phase of this project on June 25, 2007.  CMSWS had hired the engineering consultant Brown and Caldwell, Inc. to prepare the Wilora Lake Rehabilitation design.  In January 2009, CMSWS reached an agreement to end its contract with the engineering consultant Brown and Caldwell, Inc.  In February 2009, Armstrong Glen, PC (AG) entered into a contract to finalize the design for the Wilora Lake Rehabilitation Project.  AG is evaluating the existing design documents prepared by B&C and working closely with Storm Water Services to finalize the design in an efficient manner.  Personnel from City of Charlotte, the engineering consultant, Survey and Mapping Control, Inc (land surveyors), CWS (wetland specialist), and F&R Engineering (geotechnical engineers) will be working in the area collecting information necessary to complete the design.

The design was presented to the public at a public meeting held May 27^th, 2008.  A mailer was sent out notifying residence prior to the meeting.  The meeting started at 6:30 PM and was held at the Hickory Grove Branch Library.  Links to the meeting minutes and design presented at the meeting are below.

Permitting Phase (Completed April 2009)
During the permitting phase, the required water quality permits are obtained from Federal and State governments.  Other permits such as permission to work within CMU and NCDOT rights-of-way were obtained during this phase.  The permitting phase of a project may overlap other phases.

Property Easement/Acquisition (Completed September 2009)
The City's real estate staff works with citizens and businesses to acquire Storm Drainage Easements (SDEs).  The City requests that SDEs be donated to provide access to your property to make the recommended improvements and provide future maintenance.  Wilora Lake LLC donated a SDE encompassing all of the Wilora Lake area in 2004.

In addition to SDEs, temporary construction easements will be needed to access work areas. 

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA or Stimulus)
The Wilora Lake Rehabilitation Project was submitted as a candidate project to receive stimulus money.  The City is currently working through the application process and waiting on the results before continuing with the bid phase.  The City will continue to work to receive ARRA funds through January 2010.  The City will then resume bidding the project.

Bid Phase (January 2010 through April 2010)
During the bid phase, the final plans will be circulated to qualified contractors for a competitive bidding process.  By state law, the lowest responsible bidder is awarded the construction contract.  The bid phase of a project typically lasts 4 to 5 months.

Construction Phase (May 2010 through May 2011)
Throughout construction, efforts will be made to minimize disruption to nearby property owners.  Construction of proposed improvements will be supervised by City inspectors.  Notifications of key construction dates and will be mailed to residents prior to construction. 

Project Team  

Greg Cole, P.E.
City Project Manager
704-336-4647

Matthew Gustis, P.E.
City Engineering Team Program Manager
704-336-6183

Meeting Minutes

May 27, 2008

Exhibit C12

Newsletters

June 2009 
February 2009 
October 2008 
June 2008