HARRISBURG – Senator Judy Ward (R-30) and Representative Jesse Topper (R-78) are pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has released the Dam Construction Permit for the Meadow Grounds Lake.
The 204-acre lake located in Ayr Township, Fulton County, was drained in 2013 after deficiencies were identified in the dam. Since that time, state and local officials have worked closely with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) to secure state funding to restore the dam, and local fundraising initiatives led by the Friends of Meadow Grounds Lake raised over $115,000 for an accessible pier.
“I am pleased that the long-awaited Dam Construction Permit for the Meadow Grounds Lake was released today,” Ward said. “I would like to commend the Friends of Meadow Grounds Lake and the community for quickly mobilizing to restore the lake. I would also like to thank my predecessor, Senator John Eichelberger, and many state and local officials and agencies for their time and effort to keep the project moving through the process. I look forward to seeing this wonderful recreational and ecological resource restored to its full use and beauty.”
“Once complete, the Meadow Grounds Lake will provide residents and visitors with a great place to relax and enjoy nature in a peaceful setting. It will also complement the numerous other recreational options in the area, helping to spur on tourism,” Topper said. “I want to thank everyone who has been involved with this project to resurrect the lake and bring it back to its full potential.”
The release of the Dam Construction Permit by DEP marks another major milestone in the dam restoration process, allowing the project construction to move forward. The next phases of the project include advertising and bidding, rehabilitating and repairing the dam, and refilling the reservoir.
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner (717) 787-5490