WEST PITTSTON – The former director of Luzerne County’s Flood Protection Authority said the first wave of buildings damaged by flooding from Tropical Storm Lee in September 2011 are expected to be demolished this summer using state and federal disaster aid.
Tammy Tintjer told Newswatch 16 that she moved a few blocks away from the Susquehanna River after her apartment was flooded and that she’s relieved to see that disaster funding will be used to remove painful reminders of the devastation.
“It’s what people along here do. People on the Susquehanna, they know that they could have to replace things and it’s just part of living on the river,” said Tintjer.
Members of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency met with leaders of several boroughs and townships Thursday afternoon to discuss the progress of flood recovery funding and projects.
“Were at the stage right now where, the costs that have been incurred up to this point, can start to be reimbursed,” said Greg Showers. “Now we can move forward into the acquisition phase of the projects where we’re going to acquire the properties from the homeowners.”
Jim Brozena told Newswatch 16 that he has been hired to help West Pittston organize the demolition of five flood-damaged homes this summer using state and federal disaster dollars.
"Finally all of the paperwork for the most part is done,” said Brozena. “We`ll move forward to move them through the acquisition, which is most important to the owner and then demolition to follow after that."