District releases Upper Ohio Navigation Study for public review

Published May 1, 2014

Corps releases Upper Ohio Navigation Study for public review

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District, has released its Upper Ohio Navigation Study Draft Feasibility Report and Integrated Environmental Impact Statement for public review and comment through June 2, 2014              

The purpose of the study is to determine the best plan for maintaining safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable navigation through 2074 on  the Upper Ohio River in Pennsylvania.  The study area encompasses the existing Emsworth, Dashields, and Montgomery Locks and Dams.  These projects, originally constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, are the oldest operating Ohio River navigation facilities not previously authorized for replacement. The Draft Feasibility Report recommends construction of one new lock chamber at each facility.  Total cost of the recommended project is $2.1 billion and average annual benefits are $524.6 million. 

The study addresses navigation lock condition and capacity issues, and evaluates multiple alternatives and their environmental  and  economic impacts.  The study also evaluates ecosystem restoration project alternatives.

The Study is available for review at most libraries in the Allegheny and Beaver County areas.  The Study’s Main Report and Draft Environmental Impact Statement are posted on the District website at:

www.lrp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Planning,ProgramsProjectManagement/HotProjects/UpperOhioNavigationStudy.aspx

An electronic copy of the entire report with all appendices may be requested by contacting the Public Affairs Office.  For media inquiries, contact the Public Affairs Office at 412-395-7500 or email: celrp-pa@usace.army.mil.

                                                                                                         

The Pittsburgh District’s 26,000 square miles include portions of western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, eastern Ohio, western Maryland and southwestern New York.  Our jurisdiction includes more than 328 miles of navigable waterways, 23 navigation locks and dams, 16 multi-purpose flood risk management reservoirs, 42 local flood protection projects and other projects to protect and enhance the Nation’s water resources, infrastructure and environment.

 

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