Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced more than $31 million in federal funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for dredging of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers in Philadelphia and maintenance of Blue Marsh Lake in Berks County. The funding comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“Across Southeastern Pennsylvania, our water infrastructure plays a critical role in our economy, from commercial cargo transport to recreation,” said Senator Casey. “This funding, made possible by the infrastructure bill, will help support efforts to deepen the Delaware River to ensure Philadelphia remains a top cargo destination on the east coast, as well as continue to clean up the Schuylkill around Boathouse Row so people from around the world can enjoy our city’s iconic rowing community. Additionally, residents in Berks County will continue to enjoy Blue Marsh Lake as a place to swim, fish and enjoy time outdoors. I will keep fighting to bring home infrastructure investments to the Commonwealth to support our economy for generations to come.”
In Philadelphia, $25 million will go to the Army Corps’ Delaware River, Philadelphia to the Sea project, to improve the capacity at disposal sites for dredge sediments related to the project. An additional $5 million will be used to dredge the Schuylkill River above Fairmount, including Boathouse Row.
In Berks County, $1.65 million will go to the Blue Marsh Lake project to rehabilitate the Bernville Protective Works Pump Station and procure and install an emergency generator at the administration building. The Blue Marsh Dam and Bernville Levee are an integral part of the Schuylkill River Flood Control Program, helping protect the region from flood damage.
