Don’t let West Dam fade into background

The digging is happening at West Dam. Because of that, the donating must continue.
For the first time since its outlet structure failed and the reservoir drain, there is true momentum to get West Dam rebuilt and have the reservoir full of water once again. The first phase that will lead to that goal has already been accomplished, and the second phase is underway. The phase that is happening right now will ultimately see 90,000 cubic yards—that is a whole lot of dirt—removed from the reservoir to make way for the water when the project is complete. However, for the project to be completed, more money is needed.
We must strike while we have momentum. The ad hoc committee that was formed to see that West Dam is restored to its former glory is working hard and beating the streets to solicit donations and help in making West Dam one of the jewels of the town once more. Donations of any size are welcome, and can be made by dropping a check off at city hall, visiting bit.ly/custerwestdam or by scanning the QR code on the artist’s conception of West Dam found on page 6A of this week’s issue of the Chronicle.
We can’t let up now. It is critical that we raise more money for the project — and soon. The money the city has allocated for the project has almost been spent, which means the remaining funding is in the form of a $1 million pledge by a private donor that will match dollar for dollar donations the city receives for the project. To date that figure is around $300,000, meaning there is $700,000 more to be had, if we can only find the donations to reach that figure.
We ask you to help spread the word. There are now children in this town who are nearly teenagers who have never seen West Dam full of water. It’s been far too long. So, if you’ve ever pulled a fish out of West Dam, ice skated at West Dam, or just admired it as you drove in and out of town, now is your chance to help. Again, no amount is too small. Yes, larger donations are always sought, but as the saying goes, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.
If there isn’t enough money in the fund for West Dam by the time bids are solicited for the third phase of the project—the actual construction of the dam — the third phase may not move ahead, which would bring the entire project to a halt. That would leave the West Dam where it is now—a hole in the ground. The only difference would be the hole would now be deeper. We can’t allow that to be the case.
Custer can do anything when it puts its collective minds to doing it. We have seen the community rally time and time again for good causes (see summer fireworks), and while this one comes with a much larger price tag, it’s not insurmountable if we all pitch in. So, we humbly ask you to dig as deep as you can to make the project a reality. If you can’t donate, perhaps you know someone you can tell about the project who can.
We can do this, Custer! With some generosity and hard work, West Dam could be full sooner rather than later. That’s something we can all agree would be a great thing.