Pumpy effort gets support from Hazleton area COG
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The Pumping Station Dam in East Union Township is seen from the spillway on April 4, 2023.
HAZLETON – The volunteer effort to restore the Pumping Station Dam in East Union Township has gained the support of the Mountain Council of Governments, which covers the Greater Hazleton Area.
The council issued a letter of support on May 1 for the ongoing work to revitalize the former recreation area, locally known as the “Pumpy,” which had been in disuse and disrepair since around 2010.
“The Pumpy Association’s volunteer grassroots effort to rehabilitate a once vibrant recreation area and restore it as a place where families can once again go to fish, hike, picnic, and enjoy the outdoors is commendable,” Cal Herring, MCOG executive director, said in letter. “The group has worked with neighboring municipalities for support and guidance.”
“The Mountain Council of Governments is pleased to add our name to the growing support for this project and would most certainly recommend this group for any grant funding opportunities… to assist them in their efforts to restore this natural resources to the community,” Herring continued.
The Pumping Station Dam, owned by Shenandoah Borough and located in East Union Township between Brandonville and Girard Manor, had previously been a water source for Shenandoah in its booming years.
When the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Shenandoah (MABS) was formed and the reservoirs in Pattersonville and Raven Run were acquired, the “Pumpy” was no longer needed and soon became a legendary trout fishing spot.
Volunteers from The Pumpy Association have been working to clean up the grounds for the past few months and have garnered support from local municipalities, including East Union Township, Shenandoah, Frackville, and Mahanoy City.
The Mountain Council of Governments includes Hazleton, West Hazleton, McAdoo, Beaver Meadows, Conyngham, Freeland, White Haven, the townships of Butler (Luzerne), Banks, East Union, Foster, Hazle, and Sugarloaf, along with the Hazleton Area School District, Hazleton City Authority, and Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, among others.
About Author
