The state Game and Fish Department says the water level is being lowered at Lake Roberts in southwestern New Mexico for a $6.5 million renovation of the dam and spillway.
The agency said a boat ramp will be closed as the water level drops during the next month. The lake near Silver City will remain open during the year-long construction project.
The renovation is to strengthen the dam, which the State Engineer's Office has said is vulnerable if there's major flooding. The dam will be raised eight feet, the current spillway will be replaced and a secondary spillway will be built.
The dam is owned and maintained by the department and the State Game Commission.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.