Under blue sunny skies the Montgomery Dam in Potter Township’s groundbreaking took place last Friday morning.
Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published August 14, 2023 7:00 A.M.
(Industry, PA) In an effort to modernize inland navigation Colonel Nicholas Meline, who is commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, spoke at last Friday’s groundbreaking. He said the Montgomery Dam is the Ohio River’s oldest and smallest navigation facilities. A concrete hatch plant will be built on site. 400,000 tons of cement will be produced that will weigh 1.6 billion tons. New lock chambers will also be built, Colonel Meline said.
US Senator Robert P. Casey told those in attendance that for over a decade the plan has been studied, and now there’s a solid plan. President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law provides $857 million for constructing the new lock chamber at Montgomery Dam. $77 million is provided for a new lock chamber at Emsworth Locks and Dams. The new large rock chamber on the Emsworth, Dashields and Montgomery Dams, built in the 1930’s will provide reliable, efficient, and sustainable navigation on the upper Ohio River.
The law provided for $857 million to construct Montgomery Dam’s new chamber , and $77 million for Emsworth’ ‘s lock chamber.
