WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Many people who live on Brookside Street in Wilkes-Barre vividly remember 2011 when two tropical storms hit the area, Irene and Lee, bringing historic rainfall and flooding.
After the Weir Lane Pump Station couldn't handle all the water, some residents had to be rescued from their homes by boat.
Since then, the pump station has been upgraded, and now it will receive even more upgrades, including a backup generator.
Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown made the announcement.
"This project will enhance flood protection for 105 buildings valued at over $30M. And 230 residents will be affected by this program. It will raise the levee's crest, upgrade the Weir Lane stormwater pump station, including the backup generator," said Mayor Brown.
The total cost of the project is more than $1 million, though the city will only pay a little more than $90,000.
Most of the money comes from the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority and a local share account.
"While the levee is in good condition, our engineers had determined that 16 recommended actions take place to support full FEMA accreditation," said Chief Jay Delaney.
The levee rehabilitation project is expected to continue through next spring.