Feds promise $16 million to fix Girard dam

GIRARD — It looks as though the city doesn’t have to go forward with plans to demolish the dam at Lower Girard Lake.

The Water Resources Development Act Conference Report passed the Senate Monday night 81 to 12, and it authorizes $16 million for repairing the dam, U.S. Sen. George Voinovich announced.

For years, the city has been under orders from the Ohio Department of Natural resources to either repair the dam or tear it down because it is unsafe.

Up until now, there hasn’t been any indication the money would be coming, said Mayor James Melfi.

For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com.