Posted on April 6, 2022
PITTSBURGH – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District announces an additional $77 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) supplemental funding for design and construction work at Emsworth Locks and Dam, March 29.
The additional $77 million will complete the design and initiate construction for the new lock chamber at the Emsworth navigation facility. The funding is in addition to the $881.9 million awarded through the IIJA to the district in January for Construction, Continuing Authorities Program, Environmental Infrastructure, and Operations and Maintenance.
“The additional funding for projects supports safe and reliable navigation,” said Lt. Col. Albert Butler, deputy commander, Pittsburgh District. “The support allows us to continue providing safe and reliable navigation on the upper Ohio River. This funding ensures the district will continue playing its crucial role in national and regional economic success.”
The Upper Ohio River Navigation project addresses deterioration and aging concerns by recapitalizing the Dashields, Emsworth, and Montgomery locks and dams. These three navigation facilities are the oldest and smallest on the Ohio River.
“Southwestern Pennsylvania’s inland waterways play a vital role in moving commerce, creating and sustaining jobs, and spurring economic growth throughout the region,” said Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) in a news release published March 29. “Thanks to the infrastructure law, the Army Corps of Engineers will be able to begin construction on two vital lock and dam systems on the Upper Ohio River. This investment will help strengthen our domestic supply chain and ensure that shippers can reliably deliver and take cargo from Pittsburgh to the rest of the world.”
Pittsburgh District’s 26,000 square miles include portions of western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, eastern Ohio, western Maryland, and southwestern New York. Our jurisdiction includes more than 328 miles of navigable waterways, 23 navigation locks and dams, 16 multi-purpose reservoirs, 42 local flood-protection projects and other projects to protect and enhance the nation’s water resources, infrastructure, and environment.
The district’s additional missions include water supply, emergency response, and regulation of the Clean Water Act. The corps often partners with local communities to improve water supply, sanitary sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. During disasters, the district manages the nation’s emergency power contract which provides temporary power to downed critical infrastructure. District personnel deploy overseas to help build, manage, and administer water resource infrastructure projects.
Know. Take. Wear. Know the waterways. Take a safety course. Wear your life jacket.
