Twelve of the nation’s best NCAA Division I women’s rowing teams competed this month in the Cardinal Invitational Regatta in Oak Ridge. Pictured above, a West Virginia University team competes at Oak Ridge Marina on Saturday, March 12, 2016. The eighth lane would require some work along the Melton Lake Drive side of the course, which is on the right side of this picture. (Photo by Julio Culiat)
Note: This story was last updated at 5:30 p.m.
An eighth lane at the seven-lane Oak Ridge rowing course could cost more than $500,000 and up to about $1.2 million, officials said Tuesday.
The eighth lane has been on the wish list of rowers and many local officials for years. They say it would allow the Oak Ridge Rowing Association to compete for bigger races and international regattas, which require an eighth lane. It would also keep the site a top-tier rowing venue and provide more on-water capacity, allowing more competitors in events. It’s also expected to significantly increase the economic impact of rowing races, or regattas.
Officials announced a $250,000 state grant for the eighth lane in April 2015.
In August, the city hired Barge, Waggoner, Sumner, and Cannon Inc. for design and survey work, among other tasks.
A March 1 memo from BWSC to Jon Hetrick, Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks director, outlines five construction options with various estimates of probable costs ranging between $543,771 and $1,162,444. The five estimated construction costs include a 20 percent contingency. All five options would include a retaining wall and earthwork, which would include excavation and dredging.
Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson told City Council members during a non-voting work session on Tuesday evening that the city is targeting the lowest cost option, the $543,771 option.
The probable costs vary depending upon the evaluation of specialty items required for construction, BWSC said. The company gave three construction options that include one type of a retaining wall known as a gabion basket wall and two options for what is known as a sheet pile wall.
The three options that include a gabion basket wall are more expensive. It’s a traditional wall system installed by several local and regional contractors, and the wall plan and bank stabilization are the same as shown in a required permit.
But with that type of wall, the cost for dewatering is unknown, more excavation is required, more land will be moved, and the construction period could last longer, among other things. The wall could also affect Melton Lake Drive.
The sheet pile wall system, which is less expensive, requires less excavation and land disturbance, no dewatering, and has less potential impact on Melton Lake Drive. Also, fewer subcontractors would be involved.
But the finished look of that type of wall would be different than originally anticipated, and there is uncertainty about the cost of required anchors. Also, that wall could require permit modifications.
Watson said the city has a $20,000 commitment for the project from the Tennessee Valley Authority. The Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau and Oak Ridge Rowing Association could give $25,000 each, he said.
City officials could also ask nearby government, rowing, and tourism agencies, including in Anderson County, Clinton, and Knoxville, if they would contribute as well. Some of the rowers stay in nearby cities when they compete in Oak Ridge, including at hotels in Clinton and west Knox County.
The eighth lane has been in the Oak Ridge Capital Improvement Plan since 2005. This is the most progress that has been made since then.
“This is our best shot at getting it done at this point in the history of the city,” Watson said.
In August, Hetrick said a $250,000 grant was approved in the fiscal year 2016 state budget for the eighth lane. He said there was a grant allocation from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Hetrick said the City Council has approved a request for an additional $150,000 from the city Capital Improvement Plan.
Hetrick said BWSC has worked with the city to provide conceptual planning and permitting assistance for the eighth-lane project, including to acquire extensions of the project permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The construction estimates released this month came in higher than expected. In April 2015, Oak Ridge City Council member Rick Chinn, the father of two former rowers and a rower himself, said a rough estimate showed the eighth lane could cost about $350,000 total, meaning the city might have to contribute up to $100,000 to complete the project. That $350,000 estimate appears to be in line with some earlier estimates.
On Tuesday, Chinn suggested that Watson ask Anderson County and its Tourism Council if they want to contribute to the project. Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch said Clinton officials should be approached as well, and Watson said he will also ask the Knoxville convention and visitors bureau.
Local officials emphasize the economic impact of the rowers in Oak Ridge and the region, pointing out that they stay at local hotels, eat and shop at local restaurants and grocery stores, and buy gas here. In April 2015, Tennessee Representative John Ragan, the Oak Ridge Republican who spearheaded the effort to get state funding, said the regional impact of the regattas in Oak Ridge is estimated at $13 million now, but it could increase to $33 million, according to a University of Tennessee study.
Last spring, Chinn and Russell Byrd, board president for the Oak Ridge Rowing Association, said most of the eighth lane is clear already, but there is a “pinch point†between the ORRA boathouse and the former Riverside Grille upstream. Byrd estimated that there might be less than 500 feet that has to be cleared to make the eighth lane.
The eighth lane will be one of several recent improvements at Melton Lake Park. Others include a new pavilion at the park and new bathrooms and changing rooms where the New China Palace restaurant used to be, a change that rowers say they greatly appreciate.
Tennessee Rep. John Ragan, an Oak Ridge Republican, announces a $250,000 state grant for an eighth rowing lane at the Oak Ridge rowing course on Sunday, April 19, 2015. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
The stretch of water used by the Oak Ridge Rowing Association is considered among the nation’s best and loved by rowing teams.
The Oak Ridge rowing course is on the Clinch River, also referred to as Melton Hill Lake, at Melton Lake Park in east Oak Ridge.
Watson said the details of the eighth lane project will be worked out, and a bid brought back to City Council.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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Barton Bailey says
While they’re examining things along Melton Lake, they should examine how much it would cost to repair the root heaves that have made the greenway unsafe. There are several areas between the restaurant and the boathouse that are really bad. I have seen numerous people stumble and 2 people actually fall from tripping over the uneven surface. The worst spot is around the bend in the river at the bottom of the hill before the Edgemoor parking lot. The heaves are so tall that people have worn the grassy areas to the side instead of going over them. Seems like we are forever building stuff and not maintaining it.
johnhuotari says
I haven’t been on the section of trail near the Edgemoor Road parking lot. I’ll have to take a look.
Barton Bailey says
It’s closer to the big hill than that parking lot, but it’s in that section between the two. You’ll know it when you see it.
Leroy Gilliam says
I FIND IT FUNNY EVERYTHING IS ABOUT AND FOR CITIZENS WHO MAKING TRAILS BETTER FOR ME !!! AS A PERSON IN AN ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR, i HAVE YET TOO HIT THE TRAILS WITH THE OUT OF STATE CROWD.JUST DYING TO VISIT NO MANS LAND. i ALWAYS SHOW AND DIRECT THEM TO THE MAUL.
AND TALK ABOUT THE DAYS OF TRIPLE RENT.
Sam Hopwood says
The rowing venue is a gold mine for OR and the surrounding area. Let’s put this on a fast track and do whatever is needed to make it happen. Yes, even a property tax increase.
Raymond Charles Kircher says
A property tax increase for something that is supposed to bring in money to reduce property taxes is a comment that is very revealing.
Philip W Nipper says
In the end, you typically get what you pay for. I would not want to see us go the cheap route on this venture. We should thank our lucky stars to have such a great nationally recognized venue for rowing and do all we can or need to do to make it better and continually maintain it to the highest standards. It really is our jewel in the crown that brings in greatly needed revenues for both the city and our local businesses.
Raymond Charles Kircher says
Whose Jewel? The revenue generated is already spent in the form of special tax structures. It is going to be a long time to make any money on the rowing, going cheap just pushes off the reward that much further. Rick Chinn really missed that one; so much for his fortune or future telling.
Joseph Lee says
The sooner we get this done the better. Completion ot the eighth lane should be a priority.
Pat Fain says
Investment on our future is necessary for the continued health of the community. Investment pays dividends when it improves the appeal of the area and helps to stimulate growth and new revenue. The 8th lane does all of this. Not investing in the future only leads to stagnation and deterioration. Just look at our legacy housing and sewage system to see what failure to invest in a timely way has already cost. I have hope that the days of penny wise and pound foolishness is going to end on the City Council. Soon.
Raymond Charles Kircher says
A lane for whom? Any money this generates is already spent in the form of special tax structures. You did know that the NCAA has dropped the men’s competition, and the only issue saving hope for money just flowing into Oak Ridge in our future is for the sake of Title IX. How many lanes of women does it take to turn a profit, when you promised all the money to a very small group of business owners. Sure, for the time being, Title IX puts a little money from the schools athletic departments into Oak Ridge, but as soon as the school needs to build a new arena or stadium, we won’t be seeing any of that money, yet we have to pay for the special tax structures created for these small business owners who won’t even donate to the cause. Rick Chinn made money off a TIF, how much has he donated for this future of a lane?
Leroy Gilliam says
WHAT ABOUT THE CONTAMINATION STIRRED UP WOULD IT NOT BE UNHEATHY FOR ROWERS ? SORRY IF I CANNOT EXPRESS MY THOUGHTS WITHOUT GETTING THEM DELEATED………..SO MUCH FOR OAK RIDGE BEING A GOOD TOWN TO PRACTICE DISCRIMINATION.
Philip W Nipper says
Sir, exactly what specific contamination are you referring to? Are you implying that our raw potable water supply which we receive from the Melton Hill Reservoir is contaminated? Some facts would be nice to back up your statement. GOT ANY?
Joseph Lee says
Mr. Nipper, if you are looking for facts from this guy you may have to wait a while. If you want to hear endless complaining, you are in the zone. Thank you.
Raymond Charles Kircher says
TWRA has signs up at the lake. If that isn’t enough facts, go to their website. The catfish have PCB’s at such a level no catfish should be eaten. Then you have the fact that fish samples are taken and not the soil, so when the soil is disturbed the amounts of contaminates not only increases but possibly could release heavier mercury that may be in the soil. Then we have many old timers from the Cold War era saying that turnings of metals was dumped in the lake. You go and dig up that soil without testing the soil during the entirety of the project, you have just contaminated 100’s of college age women and their coaches.
Leroy Gilliam says
Your friend, Joseph Lee is into info to pay his salary. Any one who has lived in this area knows that there is natural and man made dumping of contamination all over Oak Ridge!!!!
You should study the South Hills Golf Course. There was no control over dumping it was rampant–one must step lightly when dealing with soil and people.
Philip W Nipper says
Gilliam, you got it wrong again. I don’t have friends. Only acquaintances.
Leroy Gilliam says
I wonder if there is anyway to determine if any contamination exists where the 8th lane would exist. It sure would be funny if Oak Ridge would be contaminating rowers in the area. I do know that lead is in all areas. Mercury is still around Oak Ridge creeks from illegal dumping. I use to laugh at how grown men played on the South Hills Golf Course and Chemist pointed out low level waste had been buried and worked to the surface. That was the big stink about the property along Tuskegee. Wonder why Joseph Lee is not being more vocal about the new Senior Citizens Community Complex coming to Oak Ridge. his is supposed be kept quiet because its not the tax money manipulation draw as other political pundants want to sink money into.
Raymond Charles Kircher says
My comments have explicit instructions to those facts. Even some from this very enewspaper.
Leroy Gilliam says
I was told by Philip Nipper that he preferred The NEW SENIOR CITIZENS COMMUNITY COMPLEX TO BE AT THE CIVIC CENTER AND JUST DISCOVERED THAT THIS JOKESTER LIVES IN POWELL, TN——-HE RENTAL PROPERTY IN OUR TOWN. iTS SAD WHEN WE GET CONTAMINATED BY OUT OF TOWNERS…. WE NEED TO START OUR OWN CURRENCY THEN JUST MAYBE CITIZENS COULD REALIZE REAL BENEFITS.
Philip W Nipper says
Again sir you need to make sure of your facts before you spout off. I am Philip W. Nipper ORHS class of ’75, retired Senior Chief USN and reside in OR and don’t own any rental property. I am aware of the person with a similar name in Powell but it ain’t me. At one time the Powell Nipper used the same doctor’s office as I do. Caused some confusion. You are correct in saying I agree with building a new senior center and agreed with the Senior Advisory Board’s recommendation regarding the location. So make sure of what you are saying before you open your mouth and make comments about someone.
Leroy Gilliam says
YOU SEE PHILLIP NIPPER THE SAB HAS NOT PRESSED ANY NEW SENIO CITIZENS COMMUNITY COMPLEX —– OAK RIDGE IS STILL IN THE DRUG OR DREAM STAGE!!!
Philip W Nipper says
I see. Why yes its all clear now. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Bye bye.
Joseph Lee says
As noted before l support the comstruction of the eighth rowing lane as soon as possible, whatever it takes.
As noted below its the Leroy & Ray comedy hour. Step right up folks, just one thin dime, one tenth of a dollar and you too can go to la la land. Step right up to hear from two of the biggest comics in town. It’s two for one day. Enjoy.
Raymond Charles Kircher says
And the expected response from our intelligencer.