City of Hamilton, Miami Conservancy District Awarded $2.45 Million in H2Ohio Funding to Advance Hamilton Low Dam Removal

Hamilton Low Dam Modification Project - Lower Great Miami River Restoration Initiative · Phase 1

Current phase: Design & technical evaluation — construction has not begun

A project by the City of Hamilton in partneship with the Miami Conservancy District to modify the Hamilton Low Dam — improving safety, water quality, and recreation while preserving the river uses the community relies on today.

Lead Applicant: City of Hamilton
Technical Partner: Miami Conservancy District
Funding Source: H2Ohio Rivers Program
Current Stage: Design & Evaluation

About the Project

The Hamilton Low Dam has been discussed by the City of Hamilton, the Hamilton Vision Commission, and the Miami Conservancy District for several years. In 2026, the City was awarded funding through the state's H2Ohio Rivers Program to begin design and technical evaluation of how the dam could be modified — the first step of the broader Lower Great Miami River Restoration Initiative.

This funding supports engineering, design, and evaluation work. It does not fund construction. As design progresses, the City and MCD will share what alternatives are being considered and how each one performs against the project's shared objectives, outlined below.

What the Design Process Is Weighing

1. Public Safety — Address a known river hazard that has contributed to fatalities and serious injuries over the years.
2. Water Quality & Habitat — Improve fish passage and reconnect aquatic species with the Ohio River.
3. Recreation & Economy — Create more opportunities for paddling and fishing, and strengthen Hamilton's riverfront and tourism potential.
4. Rowing Pool — Maintain suitable conditions for the existing rowing community that depends on this stretch of river.

Project Timeline

• 2023–2025 — Early planning & community discussion: The City, Vision Commission, and MCD began discussing options for the Hamilton Low Dam and pursuing funding to advance technical evaluation.
• 2026 (Underway) — Design & technical evaluation: The City of Hamilton was awarded H2Ohio Rivers Program funding to begin design. MCD is leading technical analysis of modification alternatives alongside engineering partners.
• Next — Alternatives & community input: As design progresses, the City will share evaluation results and gather community input on the path forward.
• Future — Construction: Construction timing will depend on final design, permitting, and full funding — and will be announced once confirmed.

Part of a Larger River Corridor

The Hamilton Low Dam is the first of several barriers under discussion. Coordinated planning across the stretch near Hamilton could benefit roughly 35 miles of river corridor.

Hamilton Low Dam (in design) → Two Mile Dam (planned, separate timeline) → Ohio River Confluence 

Our Partnership with the City of Hamilton

City of Hamilton — Lead Applicant & Grantee - Manages the H2Ohio grant, contracts, and finances, and leads coordination with municipal planning and riverfront priorities.

Miami Conservancy District — Dam Owner & Technical Lead - Leads engineering, permitting, and design evaluation, and will retain long-term stewardship of the river corridor once work is complete.

Common Questions

Is the dam being removed?
The project is evaluating modification of the dam — not simply removing it. Design work will determine which approach best balances safety, water quality, recreation, and existing uses like the rowing pool.

Has construction started?
No. Current funding supports design and technical evaluation only. Construction would follow final design, permitting, and additional funding.

Will the rowing pool go away?
Maintaining suitable rowing conditions is one of the four objectives guiding the design process.

How does this affect fish and wildlife?
A key goal is improving fish passage and reconnecting aquatic species between the Great Miami and Ohio Rivers, which is currently blocked at this location.

Stay informed as design work continues. Updates will be shared by the CIty of Hamilton and across our social channels as the project advances.