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State Senators Randy Vulakovich, Don White and Scott Hutchinson joined with local officials on Thursday (October 15) for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start 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 involves 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. The work is expected to be completed next year with the refilled lake reopening to the public in 2017. “Glade Run Lake, particularly once it is refilled, will be 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.” “I am pleased and grateful that the state committed vital state funding for the rehabilitation project,” said Senator Vulakovich. “This truly is a cooperative effort that has brought together local, county and state agencies and officials, all working to restore this lake. With the state funds in place, we hopefully can expeditiously move forward with the rehabilitation of the dam and surrounding area.” “This project represents 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 goes well beyond one community or even Butler County. This project provides regional benefits, economically and environmentally, and I was happy to work with my colleagues to help bring it to fruition.” The project has the support of the 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.” “Senator Randy Vulakovich worked hand-in-hand with the Glade Run Lake Conservancy and came to the rescue,” Pehel continued. “He gathered the commitment and support of Senators Scott Hutchinson and Don White. This group successfully petitioned former Governor Tom Corbett to provide $2 million for the project. The collective efforts of everyone, local citizens and elected officials, made this project possible.” &title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&speed=0&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479&buttons.like=0&" width="100%" frameborder="0" allow="fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="Watch: Senators Laud Groundbreaking for Glade Run Lake Restoration">