(WASHINGTON, DC) – US Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) announced on Tuesday that the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will receive $77 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to construct new lock chambers at the Emsworth Locks and Dams. This will allow large cargo ships to reliably and efficiently pass through the Upper Ohio River system, mitigating landside congestion and facilitating the timely delivery of goods. This is another crucial federal investment to repair the Upper Ohio navigation lock and dam system.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invested millions of dollars in southwestern PA to rebuild our aging infrastructure,” said Lamb. “This is another a huge win for our region, for creating jobs, and for ensuring that our economy continues to grow.”
Lamb has long worked to secure funding necessary to fix the entire system, including the Emsworth Locks and Dams. Today’s announcement builds on years of bipartisan efforts to secure funding to repair and rebuild the Upper Ohio navigation lock and dam system. In January 2022, Congressman Lamb announced $857.7 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law would complete reconstruction of the Montgomery Locks and Dam.
In 2021, Congressman Lamb secured $22 million for USACE to finish its pre-construction engineering and design. In 2020, Lamb announced that the Upper Ohio project received $7.7 million in initial funding for the engineering and design. He also led a bipartisan letter in 2019 with colleagues from the region, and testified at the Energy and Water Appropriations subcommittee highlighting the importance of the project.
“Today’s announcement by Congressman Lamb is more great news about infrastructure investment in our region,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Our system of locks and dams are an integral part of our transportation system, and our economy as cargo moves along our rivers at a surprising rate. This investment also allows us to look towards additional improvements, including hydropower, to build upon the uses of our rivers. I am extremely grateful to Congressman Lamb for his advocacy for this project.”
“The Port of Pittsburgh Commission applauds the work Congressman Lamb continues to do in funding infrastructure on the inland waterways in the Pittsburgh region. Not only are our waterways critical to the movement of freight in the region, but also the quality of life throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. His leadership helped us secure full funding of $858 million for the Montgomery facility and having the additional funding for Emsworth will allows us to be competitive and ensure we can all enjoy the attributes of these rivers,” said Mary Ann Bucci, Executive Director, Port of Pittsburgh Commission.
“I want to thank Congressman Lamb and other members across the region that supported the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This announcement of funding for the Emsworth Lock & Dam – on the heels of the unprecedented $857 million for the complete construction of the Montgomery Lock & Dam – is a testament to the leadership of our elected officials and key infrastructure stakeholders across the region in championing the improvements vital to our region’s success. Our inland waterways are critical to the movement of our goods and products, global competitiveness and quality of life. We look forward to continuing our efforts to reconstruct the Upper Ohio Navigation System Project at the Montgomery, Emsworth and Dashields locks & dams,” said Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce.
Lamb will continue to work to rebuild the entire Upper Ohio navigation system, including advocating for funding with which to repair the Dashields Locks and Dam. According to USACE, more than 15 million tons of commodities pass through the Upper Ohio River system annually, supporting thousands of jobs and companies.