FRANKLIN TWP, Beaver County — The odyssey to bring back one lake at Hereford Manor has picked up steam once more.

The Beaver County Sportsmen’s Conservation League is looking at a new funding source to fill Hereford Manor’s lower lake.

State and local officials recently discussed receiving support from the Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation and the lakes’ economic impact on the area. The State College-based foundation has helped get funding for other lake projects, including Glade Run in Middlesex Township.

“It takes everybody’s effort to make it happen” said Sportsmen’s Conservation League President Tony Rich. “It’s something people have wanted for a few years and we have enough support here.”

Rich also serves as chairman of the Restore Hereford Manor Lake Citizens Committee.

Rich said the project has support from state officials, including Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th, and Reps. Jim Marshall, R-14th and Robert Matzie, D-Beaver and Allegheny counties.

The state Fish and Boat Commission has also shown support.

The goal for the citizens committee is to raise more than $150,000. While that may seem like a small amount compared the $12 million to $15 million needed for the project, Rich said that money is meant to “get the wheels turning” and raise interest from the state.

“There’s already been an application for $10 million out of the state general fund for the restoration,” he said. “It’s to give the legislators some leverage. Restoring that lake would be beneficial to all businesses.”

The Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation has partnered with the conservation league for the project and can collect donations. Tax-deductible donations can be made at the foundation’s website.

Citizens committee co-chairman Jerry Hooks said the difference between this latest attempt at refilling the lake from previous ones is additional focus.

“We have a better team built now. Before, it went from trying to save the lake instantly to trying to restore the lake. They shifted gears too quick,” said Hooks. “Our focus is totally on restoring the lake and getting the dam back.”

The plan is to have the 47-acre lower lake filled. Officials said that lake was chosen because it has more shoreline and better entry and parking.

Both lakes were drained in 2012 after the fish and boat commission deemed the ailing dams “a hazard.”

Hereford was once touted as Pennsylvania’s most fished trout lake.

Economically, the lakes contributed about $12 million a year within a 60-mile radius from tourism, officials claimed.

Hooks said the remaining 400-plus acreage available around the lake can be used for biking, hiking and birdwatching, among other activities.

“There’s a lot of other interests people can utilize,” he said.

A survey asking what residents would like to see is on the county’s park and recreation web page for people to take.

Hooks said the next step is to meet with Beaver County commissioners and seek financial support.