The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers states that this project provides social, economic, and environmental benefits for all Americans.
SOCIAL: This active recreation area includes a 21-acre recreation pool that is open seasonally for fishing and non motorized boating. Camping, swimming and day use activities are available at the nearby Black Rock State Park.
ECONOMIC & ENVIRONMENTAL: This project is part of a network of flood control dams and local protection projects built in the Naugatuck River Basin. Completed in 1970, the Dam was constructed at a cost of $8.2 million and was in response to the destructive floods of 1955. The dam would prevent $14.6 million in damages downstream in a recurrence of the flood of 1955.