Heffley Encourages Residents to Attend Thursday’s Public Meeting on Future of Francis E. Walter Dam

January 8, 2020

WEISSPORT – Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) is encouraging area residents concerned about the potential future use of the Francis E. Walter Dam as a water supply for New York City to attend a public meeting on Thursday, Jan. 9, regarding a reevaluation study of the dam and reservoir.

The meeting, hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its partners, the Delaware River Basin Commission and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Mountain Laurel Resort, 81 Treetops Circle in White Haven. The meeting will include a brief comment period for attendees.

The corps will also accept written comments by email, at PDPA-NAP@usace.army.mil, or in writing by Jan. 29.

Owned by the federal government, the dam is used as a flood controller and for the enhancement of recreational opportunities on the Lehigh River. The study would propose adding “water supply” as a third use.

“I have serious reservations about any potential proposal that would relinquish control of one of our region’s natural resources to government officials in New York City,” said Heffley. “This water grab could have a devastating impact not only on whitewater rafting outfitters and tourism in eastern Pennsylvania, but also the City of Philadelphia, which relies on the Delaware River as its main water source. I have already met with representatives from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Department of Environmental Protection to discuss my concerns.”

Heffley added that the decision to adopt such a plan would need to be unanimous and, thus far, Pennsylvania officials still have reservations about it.

Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
RepHeffley.com / Facebook.com/RepHeffley