PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — A new dredging plan in the St. Johns River is being slammed in Putnam County.
Mike Huff drove from Macon, Georgia, which is more than 300 miles, just to fish at Rodman Dam and has been since 1978. But that long tradition may soon be cut short because the Rodman Dam is right in the middle of a water war between Putnam County and Duval County.
"I hate to see them tear it up," said Huff.
Lisa Rinaman with the St. Johns Riverkeeper said that's the plan.
"The breaching of the Rodman Dam, well part of the dam, will still stay there, but that breaching is a significant part of the Ocklawaha restoration," said Rinaman.
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It's a project that has been in motion for a while now. There are three main goals. Number one is to deepen the Jacksonville Port from 40 to 47 feet, allowing bigger ships to flow in. Number two is to restore both the St. Johns and Ocklawaha rivers back to their natural states. She said in order to that, they have to get rid of the Rodman Dam, which is goal number three. Unfortunately, that dam has significantly reduced flow in the Ocklawaha River to the St. Johns River, said Rinaman.
St. Johns Riverkeeper officials say the Ocklawaha River is important for Florida. As a matter of fact, that river flows north into Jacksonville and feeds into the St. Johns River.
Meanwhile Bobby Bell, who also fishes at the dam, said those goals can be completed without Putnam County's help.
"Yeah leave us alone," said Bell.
The St. Johns Riverkeeper said it will work with Putnam County officials about the future of the Rodman Dam.