The City of Panora has recently received two grants for the Lenon Mill Dam River Trail project.

The City was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program, and $18,200 in cost-share funding from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for the exploratory and design phase of the project. This project involves reinforcing the existing dam located near the City’s water treatment plant and reducing the safety hazard of the five-foot low-head dam by placement of river rock in a ripple effect. This will still maintain the plunge pool for the City’s water source and allow for fish to move up and down the river as well as increase recreation for anglers and small craft boaters for a river park. A timeline has not yet been finalized for the construction, but City Administrator Lisa Grossman says an exploratory committee will be formed and she will be working with the Region XII Council of Governments to figure out the next steps for the project.