Gorge Dam Removal
By 2023, the final dam remaining on the Cuyahoga River will be removed thanks to a $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. Constructed in 1913 by Northern Traction & Light, it operated as a hydroelectric power plant until 1958, then the reservoir created by the dam provided cooling water for a coal power plant until 1992. After the plant shut down, the dam remained. By removing the Gorge Dam, the river will be restored to its original glory, improving the environment and providing more recreational opportunities.
Media Coverage of the Project
September 21, 2015 Feasibility Study for the Removal of the Gorge Dam
September 22, 2016 Gorge Metro Park: Part I
October 4, 2016 Gorge Metro Park: Part II
April 2017 Consequences of Dam Removal on Mussel Assemblages (Unionidae) in the Cuyahoga River
June 28, 2018 Gorge Dam demolition and cleanup moves ahead with new agreement
April 10, 2019 Plan Unveiled to Bring Down the Gorge Dam by 2023
April 18, 2019 Public Meets to Hear Information on Gorge Dam Removal
April 26, 2019 The Unexpected Consequences Of Cuyahoga River Dams
June 15, 2020 60-Foot Dam to Be Removed From Cuyahoga River
July 21, 2020 Akron gets $1 million federal grant to begin multi-year Gorge Dam removal
July 23, 2020 EPA awards Akron $1 million to remove Gorge Dam
July 30, 2020 Akron gets grant for Gorge Dam project