The U.S. House approved about $5 million at three area reservoirs

Staff report

WASHINGTON

Almost $5 million in funding to provide flood protection at three area reservoirs is part of a spending bill approved by the U.S. House.

“These lakes and reservoirs protect out communities from flooding and provide recreational areas for our residents to enjoy,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th, who helped get the money as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “This vital funding will ensure that our local bodies of water have the maintenance and updates they need.”

The bill needs U.S. Senate approval and the president’s signature before it takes effect.

The money is earmarked for flood protection, including the operation and maintenance of the dam structure and activities related to water management, environmental stewardship, and to repair deteriorating recreational facilities, Ryan said.

Berlin Lake in Mahoning, Portage and Stark counties would get $2,360,000. The lake serves as a water supply for the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District. It’s the water source for about 200,000 Mahoning and Trumbull county residents.

Mosquito Creek Lake in Trumbull County would receive $1,429,000.

Both are multipurpose reservoirs, Ryan said.

The Michael J. Kerwin Dam and Reservoir in Portage County would receive $1,201,000.