Newspaper Article on Our Dam

I have been remiss lately in keeping you updated on Dam happenings. On December 16th the Somerset Daily American published an article which you may find of interest. The entire article can be read at: http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2010/12/16/news/local/news062.txt
Bruce Siwy, of the Daily American, does a great job with few facts and usually little time. On his third phone call to me he caught me as I was going out the door. So let me elaborate a bit on his article.
The Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Dam Safety, is very much aware of the Borough's financial constraints and are most willing to work with us to lower the cost. However, there are somethings that they will insist upon. Using a concrete lined channel over fill area is one of them. They offered suggestions of their own on how to reduce the cost. They did not dismiss us, but are more than willing to work with us.
There were two other issues on the table during this meeting. One was the need to produce a Dam Operation and Maintenance Manual, they supplied us with a sample that we could follow. Additionally we went over what items need to be inspected in our annual dam inspection. Once again they were very helpful in asking for less as time goes on.
In summary, it was a good meeting, we have more work to do, but we also have a good working relationship.