Barberton is getting a major investment to protect its drinking water and reduce flood risk.
FEMA has approved $7.7 million for upgrades to the Wolf Creek Dam, a 100-year-old structure considered “high-hazard” because of its importance to the community. The funding is part of a larger $8.5 million project and comes through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
City leaders say the improvements are critical. The dam plays a key role in providing clean, reliable water to about 29,000 residents and helps protect nearby homes and infrastructure from flooding.
The project will focus on structural upgrades, safety improvements, and bringing the dam up to current engineering standards. The goal is simple: lower the risk of failure and better prepare the area for heavy rain and future flood events.
FEMA will cover 90% of the cost, with Barberton responsible for the remaining 10%. The agency is also providing additional funding to help the city manage the project.
The Wolf Creek Dam upgrade is part of a broader nationwide effort, with FEMA announcing more than $137 million for similar resilience projects across the country.
