BY MICHAEL J. RUDOLF
Wyoming County Press Examiner
FORKSTON - About two dozen residents crammed into the township supervisors meeting Monday night, wanting to know if they'll get any help to recover from last week's flooding.
They also pushed for money to fix Mehoopany Creek so that the situation doesn't happen again.
What they learned was that while emergency funds might be available for infrastructure repair, it isn't likely for individual homes.
And as for the creek, there are more obstacles than just financial to deal with.
Several homes were inundated on Jan. 25 when the creek waters rose following heavy rainfall. About a half dozen residents had to be rescued when water surrounded their homes, and most roads and bridges in the community were closed.
Wyoming County Emergency Management Director Gene Dziak told the residents that once the immediate disaster was dealt with, he and his staff set right to work determining if the situation would be eligible for state or federal disaster relief.
According to Dziak, a state of emergency was declared in seven county municipalities, including Forkston Township. There was about $380,000 total in damage to roads and bridges, he said, meaning the county will likely be eligible for state or federal funding.
Unfortunately, Dziak said his inspection did not show enough damage among residences to meet state and federal requirements for individuals.
"You're saying as far as damage to our homes, we're not getting any help?" asked flood victim Linda Marshall.
"More than likely not," Dziak responded.
The process for infrastructure repair funding is under way, Dziak explained. With the county's assessment complete, the situation is now in the hands of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
State Rep. Karen Boback, R-Harveys Lake, told the residents she and other area legislators are pushing to get the funds approved.
"My calls are in already," Boback said.
In a desire to prevent future flooding, residents also pushed for the creek to be dredged.
"We've got to dredge this creek," said resident John Gaydos.
"We'll probably have another flood by spring, and my house will be gone," commented Darlene Miller.
Township Supervisor Frank Miner said that area legislators and emergency management officials are trying to get funds for creek clean-up.
"Being flooded all the time is a possibility until we get our streams channeled," Miner said.
But the problem isn't necessarily money, Miner noted, but regulations of the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Fish and Boat Commission.
That didn't sit well with some residents.
"Who cares about the fish? These are our homes!" shouted Liz DeWolfe.
Lars Lundin, president of the Mehoopany Creek Watershed Association, said his group has been working for years to clean out the creek so that it both protects residents and wildlife.
Lundin said the association has been working for nearly a decade to improve the water flow in the creek, spending nearly $1.3 million in the process.
"We haven't scratched the surface with what needs to be done," he said.
Posted
Feb 03 2010, 12:49 AM
by
WCEeditor