Aaron Bernstine

FRANKLIN TWP, Beaver County — The restoration of Hereford Manor Lakes is a “primary” objective for state Rep. Aaron Bernstine.

Bernstine, R-10th, said he has organized a bipartisan alliance of representatives and senators from Lawrence, Beaver and Butler counties who are “committed to ensuring repair of the dam so the lake can be reopened.”

Hereford Manor Lakes attracted about 11,000 visitors annually, resulting in an economic impact of more than $12 million before the lakes were drained in 2012 due to deteriorating dams.

The state Fish and Boat Commission deemed the state-owned lakes a “high hazard” that would have directly impacted 27 people, six homes and one business had they failed.

The lakes were a popular destination for fishermen in trout season, being hailed as the most fished trout lake in Pennsylvania by conservation officials.

Catfish, largemouth bass and saugeye also made their habitat in the lakes.

“Ever since (Bernstine) was elected into office, he has stepped up and moved forward with the Hereford Manor project at a rapid pace,” said Tony Rich, President of the Sportsmen’s Conservation League based in Beaver County.

The cost to repair and refill just the lower lake is about $12 million. New construction is needed to meet dam safety standards.

Bernstine in the news release said a letter has been sent to Gov. Tom Wolf’s office requesting the release of the previously approved funds for the project.

“Repairing Hereford Manor will enable our region to grow and experience an economic boom,” Bernstine said in the release.

A petition asking Wolf to release Hereford Manor funds can be found on Bernstine’s website at www.repbernstine.com.

Officials also said they are looking at the Growing Greener 3 initiative to fund the project with state monies.

The Sportsmen’s Conservation League is moving forward to raise funds and awareness for the project, Rich said. The league is trying to raise $150,000 by “the middle of this year” to fund surveying and studying the land, as well as show politicians how much the lakes mean to the community.

The league plans to put up a sign on the breadth of the dam to inform people of the project’s movement forward.

“It seems like we’re going in the right direction,” Rich said.

The league also garnered support from the State College-based Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation for support to repair the dam at the lower lake as a nonprofit recipient of money.

Those who wish to donate to the project can make checks payable to Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation, 341 Science Park Road, State College, PA, 16803-2287. Donations should be designated to Hereford Manor Lake.

More information can also be found by calling 814-238-8138 or by visiting wildlifeforeveryone.org.