Lake Williams Dam Named National Rehabilitation Project of the Year by ASDSO

A landmark dam safety and engineering achievement, the Lake Williams Dam was named the 2024 National Rehabilitation Project of the Year by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO). This award, presented at ASDSO’s annual conference in Denver, Colorado, recognizes outstanding contributions to the advancement of dam safety across the U.S.

Owned by The York Water Company (York Water), designed by GFT, and built by Kinsley Construction, the Lake Williams Dam is located in York, Pennsylvania. This rehabilitation of the 100+-year-old earthen embankment dam was selected for its merits across several criteria, including:

• Resourcefulness in planning and permitting.
• Achieving a successful resolution to the challenges encountered.
• Pioneering efforts in the use of construction procedures.
• Innovations in design methods or project operations.
• Conservative and reliable design that is consistent with the standards of care in the field of dam safety.

GFT’s innovative design approach addressed complex safety, functionality, and environmental challenges. After exploring several alternatives, the selected solution included a labyrinth spillway resting on a roller-compacted concrete gravity section, stair-stepped roller-compacted concrete steps on the abutment for overtopping protection, and the retention of the dam’s original concrete core wall for seepage control.

The design improved the structure’s discharge capacity, allowing it to safely pass the probable maximum flood while also enhancing ecological habitats by increasing the pool elevation and creating wildlife habitat islands. The project, completed on an expedited schedule, added over 60 million gallons of reservoir capacity, ensuring long-term water supply security and providing environmental and economic benefits to the region.

Dan Stare, PE, GFT vice president and chief geotechnical engineer, accepted the award, expressing gratitude for the contributions of nearly 80 talented team members. He emphasized the partnership’s success, applauding Kinsley Construction’s leadership and York Water’s long-term vision for clean, sustainable water supply systems.

“This project exemplifies the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking approach needed to deliver results that benefit communities for generations,” Stare noted. He also extended appreciation to ASDSO, remarking, “Your leadership in dam safety sets the standards we follow, and we are truly honored to receive this award.”

JT Hand, president and CEO of York Water, praised the collaboration, “GFT superbly brought not only the technical acumen but an appreciation for what a dam owner means when a dam owner sets a vision and intent in restoring this historic structure. Kinsley Construction brought resources, competencies, commitment, pride, and craftsmanship. I would not have wanted to undertake this project with any other team.”

The 2024 award marks the fifth time a GFT-designed project was named the National Rehabilitation Project of the Year, making the firm’s engineering designs the most recognized by ASDSO for this honor. This recognition underscores our enduring commitment to technical excellence and leadership in dam safety and rehabilitation across the nation.