Francis E. Walter Dam Re-evaluation Study

USACE Philadelphia District
Published Feb. 22, 2023
The Francis E. Walter Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1961 and has prevented more than $220 million in flood damages. It also supports recreation in the Lehigh Valley with planned fishing and whitewater rafting water releases.

The Francis E. Walter Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1961 and has prevented more than $220 million in flood damages. It also supports recreation in the Lehigh Valley with planned fishing and whitewater rafting water releases.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: PA-7, 8, 9

AUTHORITY:  Section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970

DESCRIPTION: The study is authorized by Section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970 to investigate project modifications based on changed economic conditions.

Per ER 1165-2-119 (Project Modification Guidance) Congressional authorization is required for structural modifications or operations unless no change to meeting existing authorized purposes of Flood Risk Management and Recreation. The Feasibility Cost Share Agreement was signed in September 2019 jointly with Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP). 

The study focuses primarily on the originally authorized purposes of flood damage reduction, with additional consideration given to associated environmental, recreation, water supply, low flow augmentation and in lake recreational opportunities, to identify possible improvements to the existing structure, infrastructure, and operations. More information is available on the study webpage

Non-Federal Sponsors: DRBC & NYCDEP