Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski and Sens. Robert P. Casey and Arlen Specter announced a $4.8 million federal grant will help to provide needed upgrades on multiple sections of the Francis E. Walter Dam that borders Carbon and Luzerne counties.

Kanjorski was instrumental in working to pave the top of the dam by securing $2.8 million, making it into a recreational area available for transportation crossing.

The new money, part of the recovery package that Congress passed earlier this year, was allocated to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Kanjorski said the funding “will improve the quality of life for residents and improve local communities.”