Authorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1938, Shenango River Lake is one of 16 flood-control projects in the Pittsburgh District. The project mitigates flooding for the Shenango River Valley as well as for the Beaver and upper Ohio rivers. Since its completion in 1965, Shenango Dam has prevented more than $252 million in flood damages. The project has the capability to store the equivalent run-off of 10.5 inches of precipitation from its 589 square mile drainage area. Shenango River Lake’s flood-control benefits were demonstrated during the June 1972 flooding resulting from Tropical Storm Agnes when over $1.8 million in damages were prevented. Shenango also provides water releases during dry periods to improve water quality and quantity for domestic and industrial use, recreation and aquatic life.