President Biden and USDA announce funding for infrastructure investments

The Biden administration announced it is investing more than $166.5 million dollars to protect America’s watersheds.

Undersecretary for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Robert Bonney says 23 states will receive funding for new dam and flood prevention projects and for repairs on existing watershed infrastructure.  “We tend to work in partnership with communities to help repair aging dams, improve irrigation, help folks plan for watershed issues related to drought, flooding, stream stabilization,” he says.  “You name it.”

He tells Brownfield two dams in Ohio will receive funding through the Watershed Rehabilitation (REHAB) Program.  “One is the Fox Lake Dam and one is the Meeks Lake Dam,” he says.  “Both provide flood control, both dams are about 50 years old and in need of repair and in need of updating.”

Bonnie says the funds will enable the Margaret Creek Conservation District to raise the embankment of the Meeks Lake Dam, armor the spillway, and extend its lifespan by at least 50 years. 

…