 Lake Size: 7,000 acres (28 km) Shoreline Length (Miles): 85 miles (137 m) Deepest Depth: 55 ft (17 m) Latitude: 38.9115 Longitude: -95.366028 Lake Level Above Sea Level: 875.5 ft (266.9 m) Counties: Douglas County Cities: Lawrence
Information: Construction of the dam and lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962 (Public Law 87-874), and funds were allocated for the project in 1971. Construction began in 1972, and the dam was completed in 1975. Impoundment began on November 30, 1977, yet the conservation pool was reached in 1980. Filling the reservoir slowly helped create a more hospitable environment for fish by allowing the native grass to remain on most of the upper lake-bed. In April 1981, the lake began multipurpose operations including flood control, water supply, and recreation. The Wakarusa Valley has had a history of violent floods before the construction of Clinton Lake. Previous floods had devastated the former towns of Belvoir, Bloomington and Sigil numerous times. With the construction of the lake, several towns were demolished including Sigil, Belvoir, Bloomington and Richland in Shawnee County.
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