Another big piece of levee puzzle secured
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For Mayor Derek Slaughter, getting another huge piece of the Greater Williamsport levee project puzzle put in -- as was announced Thursday -- is yet another goal of his administration, now in its second term.
Slaughter, during a tour of the levee with members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, described the $8 million federal earmark for the flood levee improvements toward its eventual recertification and accreditation as a pivotal time in this city's and Greater Williamsport's history.
"I want to give everyone credit," Slaughter said in a follow up interview. "It has been a total team effort," he said, citing county, state and federal officials who've joined in on the project.
He noted the work done by former U.S. Rep. Fred Keller and former U.S. Senator Patrick Toomey as well as Casey, who has been a steadfast supporter since day one.
Slaughter highlighted Casey's visit saying it was for critical infrastructure that protects billions of dollars of properties and investments. The levee required upgrading to ensure that peace of mind referred to by Casey and assets and property are protected in the event of a rain or high water, he noted.
City Council's agenda included paying for relief well design with WSP, the engineering firm. Officials said they want to get started with cross pipe design and installation, and pump station electrical component improvements.
"We are probably looking to stagger that throughout 2024," Slaughter said.
In the future, the project will include repairs on the Dewey Avenue section of the flood wall, he said.
Slaughter noted what Lt. Col. David Myers of the Army Corps Baltimore District said how the work will include a risk assessment and then to assign engineering as needed. The project includes coordination with the state Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Joining Myers in this effort has been Col. Estee S. Pinchasin, the 69th Commander of the Army Corps Baltimore District.
"I want to highlight that Senator Casey stopped by," he said. "I don't think we can overstate the importance of this Congressional-directed spending and the importance of his highlighting this critical infrastructure."
The recertification of corps-built levees began in earnest following the devastation caused by the effects of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans and the Gulf Coastline in 2005. After that, levees constructed by the corps required more stringent standards to meet as per the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or, otherwise, communities protected by the levees would have to pay costly federal flood insurance. There have been numerous efforts by the city and county consultants as well to get the project before either the House or Senate.
Levee infrastructure, pump stations, relief wells, cross pipes are not common household names but are for those involved in flood protection and engineering.
Recently, too, Councilman Randy Allison, who is among those who has been there from the start, said at another meeting that he was amazed how much information was gained on recent updates from the Army Corps and other agency personnel involved.
"This isn't the type of story that always makes front-page news, but it is absolutely critical infrastructure that protects the community and businesses," Slaughter said.