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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2008
Contact: Tracy Polovick
Coordinator of Communications and Outreach
(717) 787-8524
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Vance Secures Funding to Move Opossum Lake Project Forward

HARRISBURG – Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York) today announced that she has secured a commitment to release $1.5 million from the state's Capital Budget to address safety concerns at the Opossum Lake dam.

The 59-acre Lower Frankford Township lake was lowered 14 feet in the fall of 2005 after leaks were discovered in the dam's spillway. The leaks could have caused dam failure, which could have resulted in significant downstream flooding and danger.

"This funding opens the way for the project to proceed," Vance said. "Opossum Lake is a treasure and a vital part of the county's recreational and tourism-related resources. It is important not only to those who live in the area, but to the entire county. I'm pleased to have been able to advance this major piece of the puzzle to get the project moving forward."

At an April 2006 public meeting, steps were outlined to replace the 1961 dam in order to meet current regulations and restore the lake. Since that time, work has been ongoing to secure the more than $3 million needed to complete the project. The Fish and Boat Commission expects to allocate at least $775,000 toward the project. Cumberland County has committed $609,308 in Growing Greener II funds, and Lower Frankford Township designated $100,000. Friends of Opossum Lake Conservancy also has been raising funds and awareness.

"This is an example of the results that can happen when state and local officials work side by side with private citizens to improve our Commonwealth's assets," Vance said. "It will take several years to rebuild the dam, but this is a major step forward."

Vance's district includes all of Cumberland County and Carroll, Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Warrington and Washington townships and Dillsburg, Franklintown and Wellsville boroughs in York County.