Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938, East Branch Clarion River Lake is one of 16 flood damage reduction projects in the Pittsburgh District. East Branch Clarion River Lake is a key link in a system of flood damage reduction projects for the Allegheny and Upper Ohio Rivers, Clarion River Valley and especially the Boroughs of Johnsonburg and Ridgway, Pennsylvania. Since its completion in 1952, East Branch Clarion River Lake has prevented flood damages estimated to be more than 98 million dollars. The reservoir also provides low flow augmentation during dry periods when water quality or flow is critical to reduce pollution and provide water for domestic, industrial and recreation uses downstream of the dam. Water released from the reservoir helps maintain commercial river traffic in coordination with other Pittsburgh District and Great Lakes and Ohio River Division flood damage reduction projects.