(Pittsburgh, PA) — U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Jason Altmire (D-PA) today announced $42,312,000 they secured along with Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA) for rehabilitation of Emsworth Locks and Dams in Allegheny County.  This project was one of the members’ top priorities in the FY08 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill.  

“The system of locks and dams on our rivers in the Pittsburgh area is crucial to efficient commercial navigation and the region’s economy,” said Casey.  “The federal government has an obligation to invest in our infrastructure in an ecologically-friendly manner and I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow colleagues in the Pennsylvania delegation to strengthen the locks and dams system.”

“The over 80-year-old Emsworth Locks and Dams are in critical condition and this funding is long overdue,” Altmire said. “Much of our region’s business depends on their reliable operation. We will continue to work as a delegation to ensure the Locks and Dams along the three rivers are properly maintained so they can be valuable assets to local businesses.”

The funding will be used to complete back channel dam gate, machinery replacement and award permanent erosion protection.  This project provides emergency replacement of the gates and emergency repair of the scour conditions at the two Emsworth Dams.

Senators Casey and Specter and Representatives Altmire and Doyle secured this funding as part of the Consolidated Appropriations bill that was signed into law in December.