Construction of the Conemaugh Dam

1947/1953

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Title
Construction of the Conemaugh Dam
Identifier
MSP285.B013.F18.I01
Source Identifier
MSP285.B013.F18.I01
Description
Conemaugh Dam is located approximately seven miles from Saltsburg, Pennsylvania. It is one of eight dams built to protect Pittsburgh and the Upper Ohio Valley from flooding. The dam was constructed at a cost of $46.2 million, $25.8 million provided for the relocation of railroad tracks and highways, $13.85 million was spent on building the dam and appurtenances, and the remaining $6.55 million was used to purchase the land for the reservoir. The finances were supplied by the United States federal government, who threatened to cut the construction budget in 1947. The Pittsburgh Chamber of Congress, lead by Chairman A.H. Burchfield and local newspapers and radio stations, launched a successful campaign to save the dam. As a result of their efforts, construction began in April 1949. The dam was officially dedicated on September 18, 1953.
Genre
photographs
Subject
Conemaugh Dam (Pa.)
Dams--Pennsylvania.
Flood control--Pennsylvania.
Source
Allegheny Conference on Community Development Photographs, 1892-1981, MSP 285, Library and Archives Division, Senator John Heinz History Center
Contributor
Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center
Collection
Allegheny Conference on Community Development Photographs
Rights Information
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