The American Rivers organization is getting $4 million in economic stimulus money to remove two dams along the Patapsco River, the organization announced Tuesday.

The national nonprofit group devoted to protecting rivers plans to remove the Simkins and Union dams on the lower Patapsco River as part of its overall Patapsco River Restoration Project. Simkins, south of Ellicott City, and Union, north of Ellicott City, both straddle the Howard and Baltimore county lines.

The dams no longer serve a purpose, are a danger to swimmers and block migratory fish from traveling the river. Getting rid of them could also increase recreational opportunities on the river and improve water quality, according to the organization.

“By removing these outdated and unsafe dams we will not only improve fish runs, water quality and public safety, we will create good jobs and boost the economy,” said Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers, in a statement.

The money, coming from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will support roughly 42 construction, engineering, scientific and other jobs. Work on removing the Union dam is expected to start in September and work on Simkins is scheduled for summer or fall 2010, said Serena McClain, associate director of the River Resotration Program at American Rivers.

The project is a partnership between American Rivers, NOAA, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Friends of the Patapsco Valley State Park. The Patapsco River spans about 35 miles and crosses through Ellicott City and Elkridge before eventually reaching Baltimore Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay.

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