State approves easement to rebuild Cordova's failing Eyak Lake weir, built in 1972

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has approved an easement for the Copper River Watershed Project to rebuild the failing Eyak Lake weir in Cordova. The decision was signed and posted Monday, Oct. 5.

The weir, at the head of the Eyak River, was installed in 1972 to restore the lake level lost in the 1964 earthquake and keep nearshore sockeye spawning areas submerged, according to the project. The project said in a 2024 FAQ that the structure was failing, with leaking seams and a leaning bulge slowly lowering the lake. The replacement aims to retain lake levels and improve upstream fish passage.

The project received $5.7 million from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council for final design and construction, which is scheduled to begin this winter.

The decision covers about 1.28 acres of state-owned lakebed. The watershed project would build the new weir under a five-year entry authorization, and once it's finished, the easement would go to the City of Cordova to manage. The state waived the final easement fee, citing the city's role and the public interest.

No public comments were received. The state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities raised concerns about the nearby Copper River Highway bridge and right-of-way, and about power and fiber lines that cross the old weir and serve the airport. It also noted that the planned January start would come while snow removal is underway on the narrow bridge.

The decision becomes final Oct. 26 unless it's appealed.