- City:
- Altus, OK
- Site Type:
- Infrastructure and Utilities, Dams
- New Deal Agencies:
- Work Relief Programs, Works Progress Administration (WPA)
Description
“In Oklahoma 326 conservation and flood control dams and hundreds of ponds were built with WPA dollars. Several dams in Oklahoma were built for the primary purpose of conserving water that could be used for multiple purposes. Lake Texoma and Grand Lake both became realities before the end of WPA. The Lugert Dam to create Altus Lake had the initial purpose of providing irrigation. In order to begin work in that location, a CCC camp had to be dismantled, and WPA workers were brought in to ready a camp for the influx of workers anticipated. Creating Altus Lake also made possible another state park and recreational opportunities.
The Bureau of Reclamation’s decision to build an all-masonry dam was meant to provide jobs for out-of-work Oklahomans and to decrease the amount district water users would have to pay back to the federal government. Construction projects completed with WPA monies were not loans, therefore, no payback was necessary.”
Source notes
Marjorie Barton, _Leaning on a Legacy: The WPA in Oklahoma_, Oklahoma Heritage Association, 2008. Pg. 19.Contribute to this Site
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Alma
John McMahan lll
I just read a article that said Lugert had obtained monies for reinforcement of dam project . if so, when will this work began ? so far I have seen no activity their . or are the funds being railroaded like everything else in this state? that Dam is very old and needs new construction and reinforcements . I will be watching to see if work is being carried out .
You could contact the Museum of Southwest history in Altus. They may have more detailed information.