Bundick Lake drawdown structure opens for repairs

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - The Bundick Lake drawdown structure has been opened to allow for the replacement of the drawdown gate and hurricane-related repairs, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

“The drawdown gate is used to lower the lake at pool stage at times of low inflow for management and maintenance purposes,” DOTD Public Information Officer John Guidroz said. “Because of damage to the structure, the gate is leaking right now even when the drawdown gate is closed.”

The handrails of the drawdown outfall sustained damage from the hurricanes and several parts of the gate have eroded from natural wear and tear throughout the years, meaning major improvements are being made to the drawdown structure.

“It’s going to benefit the residents who live in and around Bundick because this is going to ensure that all the components are functioning properly and safely,” Guidroz said.

Guidroz said crews will also be adding buoys and signage but getting to that point will take some time.

“So it will take potentially up to eight weeks for a full drawdown to be reached and an additional 90 days of maintaining the drawdown after that,” Guidroz said.

The cost of the project is just over $890,000 with the goal of making further repairs less time-consuming.

“Basically a full drawdown may not be necessary in the event that maintenance is needed in the future,” Guidroz said. “That’s kind of the whole point of this project.”

Once Phase 1 is complete, the structure will be closed to allow for a return to the pool stage, LDWF said. Phase 2 can be completed without a drawdown.

The gate is expected to remain open through the fall of 2023 with the estimated completion date for the project being the end of 2024.

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