Federal Funds to Help Restore Canonsburg Lake's Habitat

Federal Funds to Help Restore Canonsburg Lake's Habitat

Washington

The flooding caused by Hurricane Ivan severely impacted the ecosystem of Canonsburg Lake, damaging the environment and a community asset. Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) today presented a check for $250,000 in federal funds to the Washington County Township Supervisors for the Army Corps of Engineers to study restoring the natural habitat of Canonsburg Lake to its pre-hurricane condition.

"The flooding following Hurricane Ivan dramatically altered the ecosystem of Canonsburg Lake," Congressman Tim Murphy said. "Enormous levels of sediment were deposited in the lake, making it more difficult to hold excess rain water and increasing the chance of flooding in the future. It also resulted in an increase in water temperature and decreased the amount of oxygen in the water making it difficult for fish and other animals to live in the water. The funds obtained today will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a restoration plan and develop a report necessary to begin the process of restoring the environment of Canonsburg Lake."

The federal money was included in the 2006 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act which was passed by the House of Representatives. The Act outlines the federal government's spending on energy and water projects throughout the country.

"For more than 60 years, the people of Washington County have come to Canonsburg Lake to fish, ice skate, and enjoy time with their friends and family," Murphy concluded. "This man-made lake has become an integral part of the community and the funding will help ensure it remains for our generation to share with our children and grandchildren."

http://murphy.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=42578