Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Kosierowski secures nearly $17 million for Griffin Dam rehabilitation project

Kosierowski secures nearly $17 million for Griffin Dam rehabilitation project

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    April 15, 2026 | 4:14 PM

SCRANTON, April 15 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced that she secured, with state Sen. Marty Flynn’s support, a $16,922,000 low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority to modernize and rehabilitate the Griffin Dam to preserve it as a water source for the area and prevent flooding.

Griffin Dam’s rehabilitation includes the modernization of the outlet works, increasing the principal spillway’s capacity, completion of the seepage collection system, installation of a filter diaphragm around the concrete culvert, and other related work.

“Griffin Dam is a critical source of safe drinking water for area residents and businesses, but it also poses a significant environmental hazard to down water communities due to its undersized spillway system that could cause significant flooding,” Kosierowski said. “As we are experiencing increasingly violent rainstorms due to climate change, it is urgent that we modernize the Griffin Dam to secure our drinking water supply and protect our residents from potential disaster. I am grateful to Senator Flynn for his support and Pennvest for selecting the Griffin rehabilitation project for funding.”

In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection categorized the Griffin Dam as “unsafe” as its existing spillway system is undersized for flood control. In addition, there are misalignment issues along the downstream slope’s existing concrete retaining walls and outlet, and the dam has also experienced seepage issues.

“This investment represents an important step toward addressing safety concerns at Griffin Dam,” Flynn, D-Lackawanna, said. “Pennvest’s support for this project ensures that necessary improvements can move forward and that the structure is brought in line with current standards. This has been a priority at both the state and local level, and it is encouraging to see progress being made to protect the surrounding community and strengthen the system overall.”

The construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026, and end in August 2029.

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority provides low-cost financial assistance to address water, wastewater, stormwater and non-point source pollution problems that impact public health, safety, the environment, regulatory compliance and economic development.