STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: August 13, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 9
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) acceptance of an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) providing the amount of $2,000,000.00 for design assistance or potential implementation under Section 5140 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-114) for White Rock Lake Environmental Infrastructure Design Assistance for White Rock Lake totaling 75 percent of the agreement; (2) City of Dallas and the USACE to enter into a Project Partnership Agreement for the USACE to review environmental documents, water quality protection, dredging, permitting and design efforts, and for the City of Dallas to seek reimbursements for work performed; (3) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000.00 in the USACE White Rock Lake EI Design Assistance Grant Fund; (4) receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000.00 in the USACE White Rock Lake EI Design Assistance Grant Fund; (5) City of Dallas to provide a matching share of 25 percent, in an amount not to exceed $666,666.67 from the Park and Recreation Facilities (B) Fund (2024 General Obligation Bond Fund); and (6) execution of the agreement with USACE and all terms, conditions and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $2,666,666.67 - Financing: USACE White Rock Lake EI Design Assistance Grant Fund ($2,000,000.00) and Park and Recreation Facilities (B) Fund (2024 General Obligation Bond Fund) ($666,666.67)
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BACKGROUND
White Rock Lake is a regional asset, providing numerous recreational and environmental benefits to over one million visitors annually. White Rock Lake was constructed in 1911. Since its original construction, White Rock Lake has been dredged four times: 1937, 1956, 1974, and 1998. At the conservation pool elevation of 457.9 feet, White Rock Lake has a surface area of approximately 995 acres and storage of 10,230 acre-feet.
During the 2013 Comprehensive Dredge Management Plan (CDMP), White Rock Lake was identified as a Medium Priority site. A dredging feasibility study was developed for White Rock Lake in 2020 to analyze dredging approaches, water quality, regulatory requirements, costs, and potential funding sources. Areas for dredging were selected primarily on the goal to restore lake depth to allow for sailing and boating recreation in the north portion of the lake and two additional inlets on the west side used for launching boats and kayaks; however, water quality and sedimentation control were also to be evaluated during conceptual design. The minimum water depth needed for safe passage of sailboats and other watercraft was established as 8-feet.
A conceptual design contract was awarded by the City of Dallas in 2023 to develop preliminary engineering design documents, including updated bathymetric surveys, geotechnical and environmental evaluations, disposal and dewatering site analysis, public outreach, and cost estimates. The 2024 Bond Program Park Proposition includes $20 million specifically for White Rock Lake Dredging. Additional funds will be required to address the needs identified through preliminary design.
The City of Dallas sought additional funding opportunities for the White Rock Lake Dredge Project through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the support of the Dallas Congressional Delegation in 2023. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007 Section 5140 (Public Law 110-114), amended in the WRDA of 2024, included a provision for an environmental infrastructure project within Dallas County. The authorization is not an appropriation and will require annual appropriations to the USACE.
The USACE received $2,000,000.00 in appropriations in FY 2024 and completed a Letter of Report in March 2025 which authorizes work towards the White Rock Dredge Project. In order to proceed, the City and USACE must now enter into a Project Partnership Agreement for the USACE to review environmental documents, water quality protection, permitting and design efforts, and for the City of Dallas to seek reimbursements for work performed.
The agreement stipulates a 25 percent local match funding requirement in an amount not to exceed $666,666.67. The City’s existing 2024 Bond allocation for the White Rock Lake Dredging project will be used for the required funding match.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Begin Design November 2025
Complete Design May 2028
Begin Construction August 2028
Complete Construction December 2029
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 15, 2019, the Park and Recreation Board authorized the Recreation Program Fund to be utilized for the dredging feasibility study for White Rock Lake.
On October 23, 2019, the City Council authorized the Recreation Program Fund to be utilized for the dredging feasibility study for White Rock Lake by Resolution No.19-1296.
On December 14, 2022, the City Council authorized the engineering service contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc., to provide preliminary engineering design services by Resolution No. 22-2698.
On August 7, 2025, the Park and Recreation Board authorized the acceptance of an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for design assistance or potential implementation under Section 5140 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-114) for White Rock Lake.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2025 |
FY 2026 |
Future Years |
|
USACE White Rock Lake EI Design Assistance Grant Fund |
$2,000,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Park and Recreation Facilities (B) Fund (2024 General Obligation Bond Fund) |
$ 666,666.67 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Total |
$2,666,666.67 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
MAP
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