Committee Advances Bucco Bill that Would Restore Dams and Inland Waters Projects

Seventeen dams and inland waters projects will receive an increase in funding for repairs and restoration thanks to legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco and approved today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

"The funds authorized by this legislation will be used to make critical repairs to dams and preserve and protect our local environment, which is critical to our quality of life," said Bucco (R-25). "This funding will also protect the flow of clean drinking water to communities throughout the state, support recreational activities, and provide habitats for fish and wildlife."

Bucco's legislation, S-3258, appropriates $28,670,924 in 2003 and 1992 bond act monies for loans for dam restoration and repair projects and inland waters projects.

The funds from the 2003 bond act will provide thirteen loans to owners of private dams, or private lake associations, as co-applicants with local government units, to finance the costs of dam restoration and repair projects. These projects include: High Crest Lake Dam; Mount Glen Dam; Lake Winona Dam; Cooper River Pkwy. Dam; Giffords Mill Dam; Upper & Lower Farm Crest; Lake Plymouth Dam; Braddock Mill Lake Dam; Fawn Lake Dam; Camp Karney Dam; Pine Mill Lake Dam; Holiday Pond Dam; and High Crest Lake.

The funds from the 1992 bond act will provide four loans for the following projects: Mountain Creek Lake Dam; Silver Lake Dam; Lake Garrison Dam; and Swannanoa Lake Dam.