Grafton dam: Burrowing amphibians delay repairs until spring

Water has been rushing through one side of Grafton's Bridge Street dam on the Milwaukee River since May, but the work to fix the issue is on hold – due to burrowing amphibians.  Grafton dam failureThe dam's hydraulic cylinder failed in May. The Grafton Village Board passed a motion in August to repair the dam and solicit bids to complete the work. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or AndroidRepairing the dam is estimated to cost up to $180,000. To remove the dam could have cost up to $2 million.Burrowing amphibiansThe Grafton Department of Public Works said the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reviewed the dewatering and dam repair plans, which include closing the dam gate until the failed hydraulic cylinder can be replaced.According to the DPW, because amphibians are burrowing into the impoundment area for the winter, the DNR will not allow the area to be refilled until spring. Repairs will resume at that time.SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily