(Jasper, IN) - Today, Congressman Baron Hill joined Jasper Mayor Bill Schmitt and Lisa Gehlhausen from the IN 15 Regional Planning Commission to announce a $2,228,640.00 grant to the City of Jasper through the Economic Development Agency (EDA) for the reconstruction of the Beaver Creek Lake Dam and spillway.

The EDA grant will help pay for improvements to the dam’s structure, which does not meet current safety standards set by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.  Record flooding in 2007 and 2008 threatened a breach in the dam and spillway, potentially endangering Jasper’s water supply, local business and community infrastructure, and personal property.

“I am happy that Dubois County has received these vital funds,” Hill said.  “When natural disasters occur, it is critical that our local communities have the tools they need to keep citizens safe, protect their property and their places of business. This money will put Hoosiers to work, help businesses stay open and reduce the financial burden for residents in the event of another disaster.”

The EDA estimates that reconstruction of the dam will create 40 new jobs and leverage $170,000.00 in private investments, as Southern Indiana’s emerging transportation equipment industry would benefit from the strengthened infrastructure.

“This is great news for Jasper residents,” Mayor Schmitt said.  “The City of Jasper has been under a mandate by IDNR, since 2006, to make changes to Beaver Lake Dam.  The Jasper Municipal Utility Service Board has been working toward compliance since that time.  It became apparent that without assistance of additional funding through state or federal grants, the burden on the taxpayers would be unbearable.”

“Early in the process Congressman Hill's office was contacted to help secure funding.  Baron has supported this project from the beginning and never gave up on it.  His office has worked extensively with Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission and its Executive Director Lisa Gehlhausen.  Because of their involvement, the City of Jasper will move forward to complete the dam rehabilitation prior to IDNR’s required deadline.”

The EDA funding being awarded to the City of Jasper is from the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009.