Governor Kim Taeheum: "Dam Construction Is a Project to Secure Chungnam's Water Supply for the Next 100 Years"

"No Negative Impact Expected from Regulations" in Provincial Assembly's Policy Q&A
If Dam Construction is Confirmed, 50 Billion Won Project to Proceed... Settlement Support Fund for Relocated Residents

Location Map of Proposed Dam Site in Cheongyang Jicheon Watershed / Chungnam Province

Chungnam Province is focusing its administrative efforts on constructing the Jicheon River Basin Dam to lay the foundation for Cheongyang County, a self-sufficient city with a population of 50,000.

According to the province on the 29th, among the 14 candidate sites for climate response dams selected by the Ministry of Environment, the Cheongyang Jicheon Dam was chosen. The Ministry of Environment plans to finalize the construction site after holding resident briefings and other procedures.

The Jicheon River Basin Dam, which will be built in the areas of Jangpyeong-myeon in Cheongyang County and Eunsan-myeon in Buyeo County, will have a reservoir capacity of 59 million cubic meters, capable of supplying up to 110,000 cubic meters of water per day, enough for 380,000 people.

In the case of Cheongyang Jicheon, attempts were made to construct a dam in 1992, 1999, and 2012, but the projects were repeatedly canceled due to upstream area regulations, such as the designation of water source protection zones.

However, Cheongyang currently requires 12,000 tons of water per day, but its own water sources provide only 2,000 tons, making it reliant on Boryeong Dam and Daecheong Dam. Due to water shortages, the county has faced difficulties attracting businesses, and in 2022 and 2023, heavy rains caused the Jicheon River to flood, resulting in significant property damage.

The province believes that dam construction is essential to address these water shortages and prevent flood damage.

The Ministry of Environment has decided not to designate the area as a water source protection zone, and the province plans to pursue support projects worth 50 billion KRW if the construction of the Cheongyang Jicheon Dam is confirmed.

First, for residents who are relocated due to the project, compensation for land and housing and a resettlement payment of 20 million KRW will be provided before the dam construction begins, along with a livelihood stabilization payment of 2.5 million KRW per household member. Tenants and owners of unauthorized buildings who have lived in the area for at least three years before the official announcement of the dam construction plan will also be eligible for support payments.

As part of the dam area improvement project, public infrastructure such as roads and public warehouses, as well as production infrastructure, will be established. Welfare and cultural facilities such as parks, village halls, and sports facilities will also be constructed. To improve residents' living conditions, leisure and recreation facilities like walking trails and camping sites will be created, and support will be provided for health insurance premiums, communication fees, heating costs, and electricity bills.

Governor Kim Tae-heum repeatedly emphasized the necessity of dam construction during a policy Q&A session at the Chungnam Provincial Council held on this day.

Governor Kim stated, "Dam construction is a project that will secure the future of Chungnam for the next 100 years," adding, "Cheongyang relies on Daecheong Dam and Boryeong Dam for most of its water supply, so securing a new water source is essential, and the Jicheon River Basin is the optimal site for dam construction."

He further emphasized, "There will be no negative impact from regulations that residents are concerned about," and added, "We will provide better residential environments for residents in submerged and adjacent areas due to the dam, and also establish environmental conservation measures."