MITCHELL - Since its resurrection in 1998, the Mitchell Dam has generated millions of kilowatt hours of electricity and nearly $200,000 in revenue.

However, according to Mitchell County Conservation Director Milt Owen, the amount of money set aside for upkeep is not sufficient, and he suggested Mitchell County supervisors review the five-year plan for the structure.

The majority of the revenue - about $142,000 - was used for loan payments, maintenance, equipment and repairs for local renewable energy attraction.

The remainder, about $66,000, was placed in a trust fund for future repairs and maintenance for the dam. Owen said the fund needs to grow and at a faster rate.

The dam, used as a hydroelectric power plant from 1925 to 1961 for the city of Mitchell, generates at a constant rate of 750 kilowatts per hour. Alliant Energy buys the electricity with 25 percent of profits going to Mitchell County.

"If we need major concrete repairs, which will probably happen in the next 10 years, it's going to cost over $200,000 in one shot," Owen said. "We need more funds to maintain the balance. I think we need to build the fund up over $250,000 at the least."

Earlier this month, the conservation board hired a diver to fix two chains needed to raise and lower gates that control the water level at the site.

Supervisors will consider Owen's suggestion to set aside some revenue from camping fees to increase the dam's trust fund more quickly.

Contact David Namanny at newsroom@wcfcourier.com.