Susquehanna applies for grant for dam removal project

In their effort as a member of River Bounty, Susquehanna Borough Council has applied for a DCNR grant through American Rivers that would help efforts move forward to remove the breached dam in the Susquehanna River.

American Rivers is taking the lead role in the project, Councilman Dana Rockwell said at the Wednesday, April 17 meeting. The grant request is for $20,000 that would help with the design phase of the project.

River Bounty is comprised of members from three separate entities: Susquehanna Borough, Oakland Borough and Barnes-Kasson Hospital. The hydroelectric dam was used to generate power to benefit the hospital and the two boroughs.

The River Bounty organization had remained dormant for a number of years before being brought back to life in 2018 in an effort to address the safety hazard the breached dam poses to boaters and others using the river.

Rockwell said he believed permitting for the project would be completed this year, and was hopeful the removal of the dam could be completed in the fall of 2020.

Council approved a bid for the Washington Street paving project that includes milling and blacktopping from Fourth to Franklin streets.

The single bid for the project came in at $77,573.63. Council President Roy Williams said the project was expected to cost $80,000-$95,000, adding he was hoping it came in below the $80,000 mark.

The borough also plans to pave High and Maple streets this year.

District Attorney Marion O’Malley also attended the council meeting and answered questions from council about the county task force, as well as the opioid crisis in the county.

Council also discussed plans for a pocket park, on a piece of land owned by PennDOT. The park situated at the gateway of the borough will have metal silhouettes, fabricated by students at the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center, that will illustrate the town’s railroading history.

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