HARRISBURG – A $95,000 state investment has been awarded to Dimock Township, Susquehanna County, to restore and stabilize a tributary to White Creek in the township, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).
The grant, announced Wednesday by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), would fund a large portion of the project, which includes design, permitting and construction. Once fully completed, the project will restore and stabilize approximately .52 miles (2,720 feet) of the tributary leading to White Creek in the Upper Susquehanna-Tunkhannock Watershed.
On August 5, 2020, Senator Yaw and Senator Baker sent a letter to Secretary Dennis Davin of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development advocating for the project.
“When I heard about the project early on, I knew it was something we could support,” Senator Yaw said. “Maintaining our streams and waterways has been an issue across my Senate District for years. Just like we take care of roads, we need to efficiently manage and take care of our streams and other tributaries.”
“I applaud our local leaders for seeking out state support for the restoration project,” Senator Baker said. “I was pleased to work with Senator Yaw to advocate for this funding, which will aid both the local community and our entire region. Northeastern Pennsylvania has a tremendous amount of great outdoor spaces, which we must invest in preserving and protecting.”
“This project will restore stream function and stability, as well as establish a riparian buffer in the headwaters of this tributary which is vital to the overall health of the watershed,” noted Rebecca Peterson, PE, President, Folsom Engineering, LLC – the project engineer.
The stretch of waterway is currently experiencing significant streambank erosion, and the proposed restoration portion of the project would restore sections of the stream that were previously channelized. The existing forested buffer in this section would be enhanced as necessary with appropriate trees and shrubs ensuring channel stability and habitat.
“The grant money will go to a good cause to restore the stream on the Elk Lake School property,” Supervisor Ronald Teel said. “Dimock Township is grateful to receive the grant.”
“On behalf of the Elk Lake School District, I would like to truly thank both Senator Yaw and Baker, as well as Representative Pickett, who’s support for this project played a critical role in acquiring funding approval,” said Dr. Kenneth F. Cuomo, Superintendent, Elk Lake School District. “Without this funding our small, rural school district would never have been able to afford a multifaceted project such as this which will result in a cleaner waterway, provide erosion control, and provide educational opportunities for all students to experience hands-on learning of ecology and biology standards. In addition, the plan includes an ADA compliant walking trail to enhance accessibility for students and community members with disabilities. This project has long-term positive effects and is a win for everyone!”
CONTACT:
Nick Troutman (Sen. Yaw)
(717) 787-3280
Kate Flessner (Sen. Baker)
(717) 787-7428