SCHUYLKILL HAVEN – Senator David G. Argall, R-Schuylkill, and Representative Mike Tobash, R-Schuylkill, announced a $12,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the removal of flood-borne debris caused during the 2011 flooding.
“A year after the devastation left by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, these natural disasters are still noticed in our local communities,” said Argall. “We have a commitment to protect Pennsylvanians and help rebuild infrastructure, like the reservoir’s spillway, that was ravaged by Mother Nature last year.”
“Even during these tough economic times, I’m glad to see that our state government is still committed to keeping our communities safe by helping to mitigate future flooding through this grant program,” said Tobash. “I’m hopeful that all boroughs that were in harm’s way during last year’s flooding will take advantage of this program.”
The grant will be used to for the removal of over 10,000 cubic feet of debris from the Tumbling Run channel along Tumbling Run Road.
Borough Manager Scott Graver provided some details of damages caused by the 2011 floods.
“The grant awarded to the Schuylkill Haven Borough through DEP’s Office of Water Management Grant Program will enable the Borough of Schuylkill Haven to remove a large amount of shale and boulders from the Tumbling Run Reservoir spillway,” said Graver. “The stone debris is the result of a rockslide that occurred from the September 2011 high rain event. The removal of the deposited material will ensure that the spillway will perform as originally designed and protect the integrity of the reservoir infrastructure. This grant program enables municipalities to complete projects that are not only necessary but are unforeseen when annual budgets are prepared.”
Contact: Jon Hopcraft
(717) 787-2637
(570) 773-0891