Ribbon Cutting Marks Completion of Glade Run Lake Restoration Project

State Senators Scott Hutchinson, Randy Vulakovich and Don White joined with local officials on Wednesday (April 12) for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of the rehabilitation and restoration of Glade Run Lake Dam.

The three senators worked to secure $2 million in state funding for the work, which involved the reconstruction of the dam’s concrete spillway and the reinforcement of its embankment. Safety concerns about the dam forced the Fish and Boat Commission to drain the 52-acre lake in Middlesex Township, Butler County, several years ago.

In January 2014, the senators urged then-Governor Tom Corbett to provide state funding for the rehabilitation project. The legislators noted the efforts of a strong private-public coalition in support of the work Governor Corbett released the money in the spring of 2014 and a groundbreaking ceremony for the project took place in October 2015.

            “This project represented a commitment by the community and the Commonwealth to preserve and protect the natural resources of our area through the restoration of Glade Run Dam and Lake,” said Senator Hutchinson. “The scope of this project went well beyond one community or even Butler County. Glade Run provides regional benefits, economically and environmentally, and I was happy to work with my colleagues to help the restoration project.”   

“I am pleased and grateful that the state committed vital state funding for the rehabilitation project,” said Senator Vulakovich. “This was truly a cooperative effort that brought together local, county and state agencies and officials, all working to restore the lake. Once the state funds were in place, we were able to expeditiously move forward with the rehabilitation of the dam and surrounding area.”

             “Glade Run Lake is a wonderful asset,” Senator White said. “The draining of the lake was a sad occasion for the region, especially for all of the anglers who made it a popular location for fishing. It was a pleasure to work with my colleagues and the community to support this project to bring back this recreational facility.”

            The project was strongly supported by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, a number of local municipalities, the Butler County Board of Commissioners and the Glade Run Lake Conservancy, a 2,000-member citizens group formed after the lake was drained in June 2011.

“We would like to thank all our members, donors, businesses, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and all the government officials for making the dream come true. The effort we started at the grassroots level gained support and gathered momentum,” said Siggy Pehel, President of the Glade Run Lake Conservancy. “Many have asked us, how did we do it? It wasn’t easy and took many long hours. There were numerous board meetings, countless phone calls, e-mails and presentations to many groups. Middlesex Township and the Butler County Commissioners stepped up and provided important funding for the project.”

Video of the entire ceremony.

Video of Senator Hutchinson’s remarks.

Video of Senator Vulakovich’s remarks.

Video of Senator White’s remarks.

Contacts:

Senator Vulakovich                     Senator White                    Senator Hutchinson             
Melissa Girty                                       Joe Pittman                             Justin Leventry                      
mgirty@pasen.gov                              jpittman@pasen.gov               jleventry@pasen.gov
(412) 487-6600                                   (724) 357-0151                       (717) 787-9684

 

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