Emsworth Locks and Dams receive $77M to improve cargo ship travel

The White House has announced $77 million in federal infrastructure funding for upgrades to the Emsworth Locks and Dams on the Upper Ohio River in Allegheny County.

The funding will go to constructing new lock chambers that “will allow large cargo ships to reliably and efficiently pass through the upper Ohio River system, relieving landside congestion and facilitating timely delivery of goods,” according to the administration.

The upgrades to the Emsworth site are in addition to $857 million that was allocated to the Montgomery Lock and Dam in Beaver County. The Pittsburgh region has been rewarded about one-third of all the money Congress allocated for inland waterways in the $1.2 bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed last year.

U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Mt. Lebanon represents the Upper Ohio Valley region. He praised the passage of the infrastructure law for allocating funds to repair the locks and dams.

“This is another huge win for our region, for creating jobs, and for ensuring that our economy continues to grow,” Lamb said.

Southwestern Pennsylvania waterways were the fourth busiest inland port in the county before the pandemic. According to the Port of Pittsburgh Commission, boat traffic delays increased in February as work is being undertaken at the Emsworth and Dashfield locks. Maintenance work has closed the 600-foot main lock chamber at Emsworth until April 15.

Port of Pittsburgh Commission director Mary Ann Bucci said Pittsburgh’s waterways are critical to the movement of freight movement in the region, and the funding for Emsworth and other area infrastructure increase Pittsburgh’s competitiveness in the shipping industry.

In 2020, the Emsworth Locks and Dams underwent a major rehabilitation project that closed down and dewatered the facility’s primary lock, and the chamber walls were reinforced with at least 14 large metal struts.

Additionally, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced last year a deal to have the Emsworth Locks and Dams generate hydropower. That project is expected to be completed in 2023. Fitzgerald said the $77 million in federal funding will build among the upgrades taking place at the Emsworth site.

“This investment also allows us to look towards additional improvements, including hydropower, to build upon the uses of our rivers,” said Fitzgerald.

Additionally, four water infrastructure projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania received nearly $5 million in funding, Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey announced on Thursday. They include: Conemaugh River Lake in Indiana County, Crooked Creek Lake in Armstrong County, Loyalhanna Lake in Westmoreland County and Youghiogheny River Lake in Somerset County.