Barberton gets $8.1M from feds for Wolf Creek Dam repairs
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded the city of Barberton $8,135,420 through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to rehabilitate the Wolf Creek Dam and protect the Barberton Reservoir, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes announced Friday.
The bulk of the money - $7.7 million - will go toward structural improvements to the Wolf Creek Dam, including converting it from a buttress-type dam to a gravity-type dam, making repairs to the existing structure, and relocating the water supply gate valve house outside of the dam. An additional $428,180 will cover subsequent management costs.
“Strengthening the Wolf Creek Dam and protecting the Barberton Reservoir will help ensure safe, reliable drinking water for families and reduce long-term flood risk,” said a statement from Sykes, an Akron Democrat.
She said her office is seeking an additional $5.8 million for the reservoir and dam in next year’s federal budget that would be used to further address flood risks and safety systems, with the goal of extending the dam’s lifespan by nearly 50 years.
The Wolf Creek Dam is a high-hazard dam that was completed 100 years ago and plays a critical role in delivering clean, reliable drinking water to Barberton’s 29,000 residents, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The upgrades will reduce the risk of dam failure and strengthen the region’s preparedness to handle future heavy rain and flooding, FEMA said.
Under the grant terms, FEMA will cover 90% of eligible project costs. The city of Barberton will cover the remaining 10%. The Barberton award was among more than 50 grants around the country worth more than $137 million that FEMA approved last month.
By: Sabrina Eaton
Source: Cleveland.com