Authorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938, Crooked Creek Lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. An important link in a system of flood control projects, Crooked Creek Lake provides flood protection for the lower Allegheny and Ohio rivers. The construction cost of over $4 million appears small when compared to the large savings which have resulted. Since its completion in 1940, the project has prevented flood damages estimated to be in excess of $603 million.