Ryan, Johnson urge update to water control plans

YOUNGSTOWN — U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan and Bill Johnson urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide funding to update the water control plans for the three reservoirs feeding the Mahoning River: Berlin Reservoir, Michael J Kirwan Reservoir and Mosquito Creek Lake.

The water control manual containing the water control plan was originally developed in the late 1970s. The letter, which was signed by both members, details how over the past several decades conditions have changed in the watershed such that an update of these water control manuals could positively impact local businesses and recreational users who rely on the reservoirs.

“Updating the water control plans for the network of reservoirs that feed into the Mahoning River is critical to our community’s economic well-being. Outdated control plans have led to premature lowing of water levels – specifically at Berlin Reservoir – that hinder economic opportunities for residents in the area. Providing funding to update these protocols is a sensible thing to do to balance the needs of residents, as well as the safety of the whole region,” said Ryan of Howland, D-13th.

“Updating the water control plans for these three reservoirs is long overdue, and I am hopeful this letter will encourage the Army Corps of Engineers to take swift action. We must balance the economic needs and opportunities of the Berlin Lake community, while appropriately addressing related safety and water control concerns. I’ll continue working to find real solutions to address this issue,” said Johnson of Marietta, R-6th.