Heffley to host hearing on Francis E. Walter Dam study

Mar. 9—State Rep. Doyle Heffley R-122, Lower Towamensing Twp., will host a virtual hearing to discuss issues related to the reevaluation study of the Francis E. Walter Dam and Reservoir by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Heffley requested that the House Majority Policy Committee review the study and its impact on the region. The hearing will be March 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the public can view the proceeding live at www.pahousegop.com/livestreams and www.rephefley.com/livestreams.

"Like many local residents I have some serious concerns about the impact the study may have on the future of tourism and outdoor recreation in our region," Heffley said in a statement Friday, thanking the committee for looking at the issue and the possible economic consequences for Northeast Pennsylvania.

The corps, which approved the reevaluation study in 2019, will look at potential improvements to the dam's operation or infrastructure that could allow for other uses, including additional water releases to help salinity downstream.

Hundreds packed a ballroom at the Mountain Laurel Resort near White Haven last January to speak on the proposal and potential impacts to recreation and tourism on the Lehigh River.

Heffley said he would have loved to host an in-person session, such as that one, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and safety precautions needed, a virtual forum must be held.

All of the stakeholders, including the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, whitewater rafting companies, state environmental agencies and agencies representing New York State's interests have been invited to testify, Heffley said.

The Hazleton City Authority, which is authorized to withdraw 2.5 million gallons of drinking water a day from the Lehigh River below the dam at Rockport, is among those asked to testify, Randy Cahalan, authority executive director, said Thursday.

The authority recently asked the Delaware River Basin Commission to permit withdrawals up to 5 million gallons a day to serve a growing customer base, including numerous industrial operations considering building in the Hazleton area.

The Carbon County state representative said that he wanted to host a forum in September, but it was canceled.

This forum will give those affected an opportunity to explain the impact that any changes to the dam, its operation, storage capacity or water releases could have on the region, he said.

The dam, built in the early 1960s, was designed for flood control and later its use was expanded to recreation. The study is expected to be completed by September 2022.

Contact the writer: kmonitz@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3589