FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    Contact: Gretchen M. Wintermantel
Aug. 22, 2007                                                 202-225-6511                                                                        
 

Congressman Kanjorski Announces $1.7 Million in Federal Funding for Pittston Flood Damage

Wilkes-Barre, Pa. - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than $1.7 million to reimburse the City of Pittston for infrastructure improvement work undertaken to fix damages that occurred from the flooding caused by severe storms in November 2006. A storm sewer line that runs through the Pittston Central Business District ruptured and caused major damage to the area, including the Pittston Memorial Library, a medical clinic, an adjacent strip mall, and a parking lot.

"This is tremendous news for the residents and businesses of Pittston. Flooding from November's storms caused thousands of dollars to the Pittston Memorial Library and to businesses in the adjacent strip mall," Congressman Kanjorski said. "Northeastern Pennsylvania has endured an unusually high number of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding over the past three years that have resulted in a significant amount of devastation. This federal funding will help alleviate the financial burden on the city to repair the collapsed storm tunnel so that it can handle heavy rains in the future."

Congressman Kanjorski had urged President Bush to approve Governor Rendell's request for federal assistance so that FEMA funding could be made available to affected areas, including the City of Pittston. On Feb. 23, 2007, the presidential disaster declaration was issued.

FEMA will pay $1,768,156 - 75 percent of the project cost, which totals $2,357,542.  The Commonwealth will provide non-federal funds to pay the remaining 25 percent.

In addition to repair of the ruptured storm water tunnel, the funding will also be used for mitigation measures, including upstream and downstream cutoff walls, placement of riprap in the drainage channel and installation of a new debris basin with a chain link fence for public safety.

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