SHOAL DREDGING TO BRIEFLY INTERRUPT S-61 LOCK OPERATION

NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

January 24, 2002

CONTACT: Marty Mann (407) 846-5300

SHOAL DREDGING TO BRIEFLY INTERRUPT S-61 LOCK OPERATION

Dredging to remove shoaling immediately downstream of the S-61 lock and dam will interrupt operation of the boat lock during the week of January 28. The dredging operation is not expected to interrupt weekend boat traffic.
The S-61 structure, also known as the Southport Lock, allows boaters to travel out of the south end of Lake Tohopekaliga into the C-35 Canal that flows to Lake Cypress.
"We are aware of how important this lock is to boaters, anglers and the weekly fishing tournaments on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. In an effort to avoid closing the lock on the weekend, we plan to pay overtime, extend the workday, and get this work done in a week," said Harkley Thornton, The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board member whose region encompasses the Kissimmee Chain of lakes.
"Nevertheless, this work is critical to maintain a safe and efficient canal for the benefit of boaters and the flood control system that serves Kissimmee and St. Cloud," he added.
Even if unforeseen complications force the project into the next week, workers at the District's Kissimmee Field Station, who will be removing the shoal, have vowed to temporarily move their equipment to allow weekend traffic through the lock.

For an Interactive Map of Lake Toho click here.

Take Me Fishing.org is a great general information site for recreational anglers and boaters.

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