The late Rep. Bower, a Sunbury native and member of the state House of Representatives for 28 years, was instrumental in securing funding for the Fabridam that forms Lake Augusta in Shikellamy State Park in Northumberland and Union counties.
"Visitors from throughout the state come to Shikellamy State Park to enjoy the 3,060-acre lake, which was formed by the world's longest inflatable dam," said Gary K. Smith, DCNR Chief of Park Operations and Maintenance. "The lake is one of the many countless treasures that make Pennsylvania's system of state parks so unique."
A sign displaying the dam's new name was unveiled at a ceremony by Smith, Rep. Merle H. Phillips (R-Northumberland) and Rep. Russ Fairchild (R-Union). The naming was authorized by Act 5 of 2001, sponsored by Rep. Phillips and co-sponsored by Rep. Fairchild. The act was signed by Gov. Tom Ridge on May 17.
"As a Sunbury native, Adam Bower recognized the recreational potential of this scenic river," Rep. Phillips said. "As a member of the House of Representatives, he was instrumental in securing the funds that made his dream a reality. Thousands of boaters, anglers and others now benefit from his foresight."
First elected to the House in 1938, Bower later served as House Appropriations Committee chairman and helped secure $1.3 million in state funds to create the park's Island Park Marina.
"The marina and the waters it serves are hailed by boaters as a valuable recreational venue, and it is fitting that the dam that created it all be named in honor of its No. 1 proponent," Rep. Fairchild said.
Source: PRNewswire
