Newport News Selects Contractor for Little Creek Dam Restoration
Wisconsin-based company recommended for safety upgrades to restore full reservoir operations
The City of Newport News recently sent out notice that Michels Construction, Inc. has been recommended for the Little Creek Dam Improvements Project. The move follows the Newport News City Council’s unanimous 7-0 vote on August 12 to appropriate more than $33 million for Waterworks capital projects, including $17.75M for Little Creek Dam. A final notification will be issued once the contract award is complete.
The restoration initiative is aimed at addressing long-standing safety and structural concerns at the dam. The project will tackle seepage, erosion, and aging infrastructure that have limited the reservoir’s capacity and prompted heightened safety oversight in recent years. Planned work includes the installation of a seepage berm, drainage and swale repairs, gatehouse and riser tower rehabilitation, and new monitoring systems. Once complete, the reservoir is expected to return to full operation, ensuring the reliability of a critical raw water supply for the region.
City administration believes that the Little Creek Dam rehabilitation reflects Newport News’ long-term commitment to public safety, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure resilience. By investing now, officials say, the city will not only restore reservoir capacity but also reduce long-term maintenance costs and safeguard downstream communities.
The Little Creek Dam was constructed in the early 1980s but has faced persistent maintenance challenges, including the development of sand boils in 2020—an early indicator of internal erosion. Following those incidents, the City implemented emergency measures, lowered reservoir levels, and increased inspections. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has since classified the structure as High Hazard, underscoring the importance of the planned improvements.
Michels Construction, Inc., the company recommended for the award, is part of Michels Corporation, a family-owned business headquartered in Brownsville, Wisconsin. According to the company’s website, it was founded in 1959 and has grown into a global infrastructure leader with more than 50 offices worldwide. The firm specializes in large-scale utility, transportation, and water infrastructure projects and emphasizes safety, quality, and environmental stewardship. The company states that it has decades of experience tackling complex dam, pipeline, and heavy civil construction projects.
A Newport News Daily contributor used AI tools and these sources: