Shutesbury officials have been planning the Wyola Dam project for years. They thought they'd get the money this summer, but a veto put the repairs on hold again. Day after day of rain like we've had this week is concern to residents, who know the dam needs repairs.

"Its not only the lake, but people down the stream, we don't want a major catastrophe," said Howard Kinder, the Wyola Dam Keeper.

Howard Kinder has lived along the lake in Shutesbury for decades. He's also the Dam Keeper. He actually released water a few days ago knowing the rains would put pressure on the 125 year old dam.

The dam has been on a state watch list for 10 years. But the community is still waiting to get the money needed for repairs.

"The stonework needs repair. We need to repair the leaks in the spillway itself, and do work below the dam and the brook."

The town worked vigorously to get $150,000 in state funding to fix it. But that may get washed away since Governor Patrick's veto earlier this month.

"Everyone was very surprised it was included in the veto," said Shutesbury Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director, Walter Tibetts.

Chief Tibbets says it is considered a high hazard dam because of the large number of homes that would be affected in a flood.

"It would seriously affect 98 homes and 15 roads and highways in Leverett, Shutesbury and Montague," said Chief Tibetts.

The town administrator is hoping legislators will override the governor's veto next week.