New Albany, Indiana, January 7, 2026
New Albany has been granted an extension until January 11 to remove rock fill from the Providence Mill Dam. This decision follows a legal settlement with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources after safety concerns arose from emergency maintenance work ordered by the mayor. The city plans to improve Silver Creek’s safety with future plans for a ‘rock riffle’ structure, in collaboration with state agencies.
New Albany Secures Extension for Rock Removal at Providence Mill Dam
City Aims for Safety Improvements While Addressing Legal Settlements
New Albany, Indiana – The city of New Albany has been granted an extension until January 11 to remove tons of rock previously placed in the Providence Mill Dam on Silver Creek. This extension follows a legal settlement with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) concerning the dam’s safety and maintenance.
Background of the Issue
In August 2024, after the tragic drowning of 14-year-old Andre “AJ” Edwards Jr. at the Providence Mill Dam, Mayor Jeff Gahan ordered emergency maintenance to enhance the dam’s safety. This involved placing large amounts of rock into the dam without obtaining the necessary state or federal permits. The DNR halted this work, leading to a series of legal disputes between the city and the state agencies.
Legal Settlement and Agreement
After months of legal battles, a comprehensive agreement was reached in December 2025. The settlement required the city to remove the rock fill and collaborate with the Ecosystems Connections Institute to dismantle the dam when water conditions are deemed safe. The original deadline for rock removal was January 1, but with the extension, the city now has until January 11 to complete this task. DNR officials anticipate that crews will begin the dam’s removal later this month.
Future Plans for Silver Creek
As part of the agreement, New Albany plans to file a permit for a “rock riffle” structure, similar to the Rock Arch Rapids-style structures approved throughout the state. These structures aim to improve waterway safety and create a naturalized environment suitable for activities like swimming, wading, kayaking, and fishing. The city has committed to working with the DNR in good faith through the permitting process for this application.
Financial Implications
Recent records reveal that New Albany spent over $124,000 on the controversial Silver Creek Dam work. This expenditure was part of the emergency maintenance ordered by Mayor Gahan in August 2024. The funds were used to place the rock fill intended to enhance the dam’s safety following the drowning incident.
Conclusion
The extension granted to New Albany provides additional time to remove the rock fill from the Providence Mill Dam, a crucial step toward dismantling the dam and improving safety on Silver Creek. The collaborative efforts between the city and the DNR aim to address the safety concerns and environmental impact associated with the dam, ensuring a safer and more accessible waterway for the community.
FAQ
- What is the Providence Mill Dam?
- The Providence Mill Dam, also known as the Glenwood Park Dam, is located on Silver Creek in New Albany, Indiana. It has been the subject of safety concerns and legal disputes following a tragic drowning incident in 2024.
- Why did New Albany place rock into the dam?
- In August 2024, following the drowning of 14-year-old Andre “AJ” Edwards Jr., Mayor Jeff Gahan ordered emergency maintenance to enhance the dam’s safety. This involved placing large amounts of rock into the dam to mitigate dangerous currents.
- What was the legal outcome of the situation?
- After legal disputes, a settlement was reached in December 2025. The city agreed to remove the rock fill and collaborate with the Ecosystems Connections Institute to dismantle the dam when conditions are safe. The original deadline for rock removal was January 1, but an extension until January 11 was granted.
- What are the future plans for Silver Creek?
- As part of the agreement, New Albany plans to file a permit for a “rock riffle” structure, similar to the Rock Arch Rapids-style structures approved throughout the state. These structures aim to improve waterway safety and create a naturalized environment suitable for activities like swimming, wading, kayaking, and fishing.
- How much did New Albany spend on the dam work?
- Recent records reveal that New Albany spent over $124,000 on the controversial Silver Creek Dam work. This expenditure was part of the emergency maintenance ordered by Mayor Gahan in August 2024.
Key Features of the Providence Mill Dam Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | New Albany, Indiana |
| Dam Name | Providence Mill Dam (Glenwood Park Dam) |
| Incident | Drowning of 14-year-old Andre “AJ” Edwards Jr. in May 2024 |
| Emergency Maintenance | Placement of rock fill into the dam without necessary permits in August 2024 |
| Legal Settlement | Agreement reached in December 2025 for rock removal and dam dismantling |
| Extension Granted | New Albany granted until January 11 to remove rock fill |
| Future Plans | Application for “rock riffle” structure to improve waterway safety |
| Expenditure | Over $124,000 spent on emergency maintenance work |
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