CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: PA-8, 9
APPROPRIATION / PHASE: Operation & Maintenance, General
BUSINESS PROGRAM: Flood Damage Reduction
LOCATION: Confluence of Bear Creek and Lehigh River
DESCRIPTION: The project provides for multi-purpose development for water supply, recreation and flood control. The existing dam, completed under the 1946 Flood Control Act as a single purpose flood control project, is located on the Lehigh River, five miles above White Haven, Pa. The project is also authorized to provide for recreational benefits. This project has prevented over $223M in cumulative damages between 1961 and 2018. Whitewater and fishing industries utilize dam releases and there is significant interest from the public, stakeholders and elected officials in these programs. Project lake operations continue to have a positive impact on the regional economy as well as producing environmental benefits.
STATUS: Whitewater and fishing industries utilize dam releases and there is significant interest from the public, stakeholders and elected officials in these programs. Project lake operations continue to have a positive impact on the regional economy as well as producing environmental benefits.
Stakeholders expressed interest in optimizing project operation and storage at the reservoir. In FY 15, the District completed and Division approved a Federal Interest Determination that there is a need to conduct formal investigations to examine the feasibility of changing the congressionally authorized operation and/or making modifications to the existing dam at Francis E. Walter Reservoir to better meet present and future flood control objectives, in-lake and downstream recreational use, water quality, water supply, and environmental sustainability demands. Initial funding was provided in FY19 to initiate a study and develop a cost-share agreement with a non-federal sponsor.
PROJECT GOALS: The purpose of this project provides for improvements including altering the spillway, increasing the height of the dam, extending the outlet tunnel, constructing new dikes and raising the height of existing dikes.
PROJECT MANAGER: Monica A. Chasten