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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Dan Surra |
  
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State to provide $3.5 million in funding for Anderson Creek Reservoir project
HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Dan Surra, D-Elk/Clearfield, said today that the state will make $3.5 million available to help fund the Anderson Creek Reservoir project in Union Township, Clearfield County.
Funding for the project was included in the state's 2008-09 capital itemization budget, which is a list of projects eligible for state funding. Gov. Ed Rendell must approve the release of state money for projects in the capital budget before they can receive funding. The governor's office sent word to DuBois on Monday that release of funds for the Anderson Creek Reservoir project had been approved.
"This is a huge step in getting this important safety project moving forward," Surra said. "The state grant should cover a significant chunk of the cost of this project, which is going to be necessary if the reservoir's dam is to meet state and federal safety standards.
"In this year's budget, the General Assembly placed an emphasis on making sure Pennsylvania's high-hazard dams and reservoirs were addressed; we made more than $800 million available so work could begin on these projects all across the state. It is critical that we continue to invest in our infrastructure.
"I'm very glad that the city of DuBois will be benefiting from this funding. This project should create jobs and boost the economy in the DuBois region, as well as ensure the safety of residents and businesses while keeping our water system in top shape."
The Anderson Creek Reservoir was constructed in 1936 and provides water to about 17,000 people in DuBois and surrounding communities. To meet DEP safety specifications, the reservoir's spillway needs to be 250 feet wide; it currently is only 102 feet wide. The city is looking at a number of options for adding capacity to the spillway, as well as making other improvements to the more-than-70-year-old dam and reservoir.
Surra said Rendell approved funding for the dam as part of the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is aimed at creating jobs and stimulating the economy in Pennsylvania communities. RACP funding is directed at jump-starting projects that are stalled because of insufficient funds. RACP grants require the recipient to document that at least 50 percent in non-state funding is available for the project.
"I worked very hard to get this funding included in the budget and released by the governor," Surra said. "I know the Anderson Creek Reservoir project and its timely completion is important to the community."
Surra said DuBois will have six months to complete the formal application for the RACP funding and to begin construction on the reservoir project.
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