Construction of the Conemaugh Dam

1947/1953

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Construction of the Conemaugh Dam
  • Title
  • Construction of the Conemaugh Dam
  • Creator
  • Harold Corsini
  • Identifier
  • MSP285.B013.F18.I02
  • Source Identifier
  • MSP285.B013.F18.I02
  • 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
  • Copyright Not Evaluated. The copyright and related rights status of this Item has not been evaluated. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use.
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