40 YEARS AGO: “”Something of a holiday atmosphere prevailed
along with the solemnity of Friday’s dedication of the Kinzua Dam
and Allegheny Reservoir.””[neWLine]
Some of our readers were probably there for this momentous
occasion, hearing one speaker proclaim the project “”the greatest
single event in the recent history of the area, matched only by the
discovery of oil.””[neWLine]
The Era’s account from Sept. 16, 1966, included that remark from
then- Congressman Albert W. Johnson of Smethport.[neWLine]
Also attended was Gov. William Scranton, Bradford Mayor Oscar F.
Benton, Warren Mayor Donald Conaway and several officials of the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Some 2,000 people
attended.[neWLine]
It was the “”biggest”” dam in the eastern United States,
according to the paper’s account, “”taller than mighty Niagara
Falls.”” Its purpose, of course, was to curb the Allegheny River’s
potential to flood, something it had done many times before at
great cost. President Johnson had signed the bill Sept. 14, 1966,
making the names “”Kinzua Dam”” and “”Allegheny Reservoir””
official – just in time for the ceremony.[neWLine]
The dam, made of earth and concrete, took six years to complete
and cost $117 million, according to the Era account. Rising 179
feet above the stream bed, the giant structure is almost 2,000-feet
long and contained enough concrete to construct 300 miles of
two-lane highway. The earth portion required 300,000 trips to the
site by 20-ton trucks.[neWLine]
In his dedication address, David E. McGiffert, undersecretary of
the Army, said, “”This project is a reflection of the dramatic
economic and social progress, which has blessed this
region.””[neWLine]
The story further quotes McGiffert: “”The dedication of the
Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir celebrates the completion of 30
years of hard work. It marks the beginning of a better life for the
people of this important region.””[neWLine]
“”The dam exemplifies the peaceful services which the Army
performs for the people,”” continuing, “”I am sure you all now that
we in the Army spend much of our time figuring out more efficient
ways to destroy things.””[neWLine]
“”In much the same way that our soldiers in Vietnam enjoy
building a school or bridge of a road, it gives me a lift to
witness the success of this tremendous effort to make life better
here at home.””[neWLine]
McGiffert estimated that the dam project would prevent about $6
million worth of flood damage a year.
