Army Corps and partners to host public meeting for Francis. E. Walter Dam Re-evaluation study

USACE Philadelphia District
Published Dec. 11, 2019
The Francis E. Walter Dam has prevented more than $220 million in flood damages since its construction. It also supports recreation along the Lehigh River with planned fishing and whitewater rafting water releases.

The Francis E. Walter Dam has prevented more than $220 million in flood damages since its construction. It also supports recreation along the Lehigh River with planned fishing and whitewater rafting water releases.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its partners, the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, are hosting a public meeting regarding a re-evaluation study for the Francis E. Walter Dam and Reservoir on Jan. 9, 2020 at the Mountain Laurel Resort in White Haven, Pa. The Army Corps, in partnership with the DRBC and New York City, initiated the re-evaluation study on Sept. 25, 2019.

The primary missions of the F.E. Walter Dam are to reduce flooding risk and support recreation. Aside from these two primary missions, the study will also consider fisheries, additional recreation, water supply and water quality, to identify possible improvements to the existing structure, infrastructure, and F.E. Walter Dam operations. This study will examine whether potential improvements to infrastructure or operational methods could allow water in the reservoir to be used for additional purposes that could support the ecological health of the Delaware River Basin. In particular, the study will examine reservoir management options that could release additional water under drought conditions to help repel salinity downstream.

The general public and other stakeholders are invited to attend the meeting to learn more about the study. In addition, the public will have an opportunity to provide initial feedback on the study and interact with project team members. Meeting details are as follows:

  • Public meeting from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2020 at the Mountain Laurel Resort, 81 Treetops Circle, White Haven, PA 18661
  • Agenda for meetings:
    •  6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Welcome/sign-in and poster/open house session
    •  6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Presentation by study team
    •  7:00 PM – 7:50 PM: Public comment session
    •  7:50 PM – 8:00 PM: Follow on discussions at posters/wrap up

This meeting is not intended to be a public hearing; however there will be a comment session where attendees can make brief comments at a microphone in a time-limited session. 

The public is invited to provide written comments for consideration in the study scoping process prior to our scheduled Alternatives Milestone Meeting on February 3, 2020. In order for us to consider the comments before this milestone, comments are requested to be submitted via email or in writing by January 29, 2020. After the January 29, 2020 deadline, public comments will continue to be accepted on an ongoing basis as the study moves forward and will be incorporated and considered at future phases of the study. 

For more information on the study, visit:

https://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Francis-E-Walter-Dam/Reevaluation-Study/


Contact
Steve Rochette
215-656-6432
Stephen.Rochette@usace.army.mil

Release no. 19-028