Dam, You Still Look Good for Your Age!

T DamTIONESTA, Pa. (EYT) – A celebration is happening in Forest County… complete with the waterworks, quite literally.

Saturday, Jan. 9 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Tionesta Lake Project and The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) service to its construction and maintenance.

The event will take place at the recently updated Tionesta Lake Information and Visitor Center (477 Spillway Rd.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is open to the public free of charge.

Seventy-five years ago to the day — Jan. 9, 1941, the Tionesta Lake became officially operational, although it was fully operational in December of 1940. The dam was constructed as a result of the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938 and continues to play a crucial role today as one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District (which is one of seven districts making up The Great Lakes and Ohio River Division of the USACE).

According to the USACE, the Tionesta Lake Project has prevented an estimated $570 million in flood damage since its implementation.

T Dam 1

The celebration this Saturday will consist of exhibits, programs, presentations by the USACE, exterior dam walks (weather permitting), and a dam construction show, in addition to a virtual tour of the control tower. There will also be historic photos and videos available. Due to heightened security, the public will be unable to go into the actual control tower.

One of the most interesting and anticipated events of the day for many will be the opening of the Tionesta Lake Project time capsule, which was created in 1991 at the 50th Anniversary celebration. Items enclosed include photographs and memorabilia related to the lake’s history. The time capsule will be opened, its items catalogued, and then present day items will be added before sealing it again for another 25 years.

According to Tionesta Lake Project officials, PA State Senator Scott Hutchinson and PA State Representative Kathy Rapp (or one of her staff members) will be in attendance, among other expected guests.

(Photos – courtesy of Tionesta Lake – US Army Corps of Engineers)

(Article written by Trista Foster)


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