NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) — Floyd County officials are facing subpoenas from a New Albany lawyer seeking records related to the Blackiston Mill Dam.
The Blackiston Mill Bridge, long a local landmark, sits near the site where the dam once stood. Floyd County Commissioners had applied for a permit to remove the dam, which was approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Now, the city is requesting documents from county officials regarding communications about the dam.
Subpoenas are expected for Floyd County Commissioner Al Knable and the county engineer, demanding all emails and records between Floyd County and the DNR concerning the Blackiston Mill Bridge.
The move comes after a recent administrative law judge ruling determined that the city of New Albany likely has no ownership claim to the Providence Mill Dam on Silver Creek, which appears to be state property. Lawyers for the Indiana DNR are also asking a Floyd County Superior Court judge to require the city to restore the area under the Providence Mill Dam.
Court filings suggest New Albany is looking for any emergency repairs done to the Blackiston Mill dam and bridge.
The controversy intensified after video recorded by WDRB on Aug. 6, 2024, showing a contractor hired by the city using heavy machinery to place rocks along the dam in what New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan later called “emergency maintenance.”
The work was done following the drowning of Andre “AJ” Edwards near the dam on Memorial Day 2023. State officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the city did not have the proper permits to perform the work.
For the second year in a row, the New Albany City Council has pressed the mayor for details on city spending related to the dam, including maintenance and legal fees.
Court records show the city spent $124,000 placing rocks into Silver Creek, but the council says it has yet to receive a full accounting of related legal expenses.
Council members say repeated requests to Mayor Gahan for information have gone unanswered, even as the city prepares to approve its budget.
WDRB invited Mayor Gahan, through the city attorney, to discuss the dam and other city matters, but he has not responded to our invitation.
Previous Coverage:
Blackiston Mill Bridge in southern Indiana reopens months after dam collapse
Blackiston Mill Bridge in southern Indiana could reopen by end of summer as dam removal begins
Blackiston Mill Bridge could reopen to traffic this summer, but 2 permits stand in the way
Floyd County leaders file application with state to remove Blackiston Mill Dam
Legal battles, safety concerns fuel controversy over low head dams in southern Indiana
Floyd County leaders vote to remove failed Blackiston Mill Dam, but future of bridge uncertain
Blackiston Mill Road Bridge remains closed with no reopening date set
No timeline available for reopening of Blackiston Mill Road Bridge after dam failure
Blackiston Mill Road Bridge over Silver Creek in New Albany closed due to dam failure
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