Barton, Argall Announce Grant for Dredging Fisher’s Dam

January 28, 2025

HARRISBURG – The borough of Orwigsburg has been awarded a $125,000 state grant for the dredging of Fisher’s Dam, Rep. Jamie Barton (R-Schuylkill) and Sen. David Argall (R-29) announced today.

“Fisher’s Dam offers wonderful recreational opportunities for the people of Orwigsburg and the surrounding areas,” Barton said. “I was happy to support this grant that will help restore the depth of the dam and especially help preserve great fishing for local anglers there.”

“This highly competitive funding will ensure that residents of all ages can continue to enjoy the opportunities for fishing, relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of our area created by Fisher’s Dam,” said Argall.

When initially constructed in the 1970s, Fisher’s Dam had a depth of 15 feet but is currently 6 feet deep. Silt and sediment have accumulated within the dam, so the borough plans to dredge the dam by draining it, excavating silt and sediment, restoring the dam floor to original conditions, and refilling the dam to its original capacity. The waterways that enter and exit this facility are headwaters of Mahannon Creek, which is part of the Schuylkill River Watershed and subsequently the Delaware River Watershed.

The grant was awarded through the Watershed Restoration Protection Program, which is supported by impact fees on natural gas drilling collected under Act 13 of 2012.

Rep. Jamie Barton
124th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Argall Contact: Jim Brugger, 717-787-2637, jbrugger@pasen.gov
Barton Contact: Patricia Hippler, 717-772-9846, phippler@pahousegop.com