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Dam Upgrade Promises Safer Water for Abingtons
27 Apr
Summary
- Griffin Pond Dam receives $16.9 million low-interest loan for upgrades.
- Project aims to modernize infrastructure and improve flood control safety.
- Construction begins later this year, expected completion in 2029.
Pennsylvania American Water has been awarded a $16.9 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority to upgrade the dam at Griffin Pond Reservoir. The dam, located in South Abington and Scott townships, was previously classified as "unsafe" due to an undersized spillway and seepage issues.
The comprehensive upgrades will include modernizing the outlet, increasing spillway capacity, and reinforcing embankments. These improvements are designed to bring the facility into compliance with state dam safety regulations and bolster its ability to withstand extreme storm events, a concern amplified by climate change.
Construction is slated to begin later this year, following project bidding next month, and is expected to continue through 2029. During this period, the reservoir will be temporarily closed to public fishing. The project's total estimated cost is $16,922,000.
