Avondale Lake is filling with silt, and it’s time to make dredging a city priority. The walking path around the lake is also in need of repair, and residents deserve a safe and well-maintained space around our community’s centerpiece.
In 2024, the city received $2 million in DeKalb County SPLOST stormwater funds and borrowed $3.7 million against future SPLOST revenue. These resources provide a foundation for funding the needed improvements. Additional sources exist as well:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offers a 60/40 funding split (with the Corps covering 60%)
Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), is another potential partner for water management funding.
In the past, Avondale had a Lake Board with expertise in water management. This board provided valuable oversight and transparent reporting on lake conditions. Unfortunately, it was disbanded during COVID, and its duties were absorbed into the Greenspace Committee, which has a much broader mission and cannot give the lake the focused attention it requires.
It’s time to re-establish a dedicated Lake Board. With renewed oversight, smart funding strategies, and a clear commitment from city leadership, we can restore Avondale Lake and safeguard our community’s greatest natural asset for future generations.