Poor Structure Surrounding Solomon Creek is “One Major Storm Away” from Devastating Effects on the Community / Creek is Close to Residential Areas, School, Hospital in Wilkes-Barre
Washington, DC- Today U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA) called on the U.S. Army Corps to fully support the feasibility study of Solomon Creek in Luzerne County. The creek is in close proximity to a residential area, school, hospital, and utilities, all of which could suffer damage if the creek were to flood in the event of a major storm. A study by the Army Corps will be the first step in ensuring the safety of the residents of Wilkes-Barre.
“I have seen firsthand the effects flooding can have on communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania on several occasion,” said Senator Casey. “I’m urging the Army Corps to fund this study to ensure that the people of Wilkes-Barre are safe from flooding and other widespread damage in the event of a major storm.”
“Three hundred homes and businesses in the Solomon Creek area could be affected by a major storm. Residents and business owners are tired of mandatory evacuations and the constant fear of what the next storm could bring,” said Rep. Cartwright. “We have a responsibility to ensure safety, so I’m happy to join Senator Casey in urging the Army Corps to expend funds on a feasibility study.”
The text of the letter is below:
Dear Assistant Secretary Darcy:
It is our understanding that the City of Wilkes-Barre has submitted a request for a feasibility study of Solomon Creek located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. We write today to express our support for this application and to urge you to give full and fair consideration to this important emergency stream bank and shoreline protection project.
The existing retaining walls for the Solomon Creek are in poor condition and precariously leaning in various locations. The Creek is situated in a residential area, flanked by homes, a school, a hospital, utilities for water, gas and sanitation, and a large storm sewer system. In addition, the sanitary line that runs parallel to the Creek provides valuable service to Wilkes-Barre and neighboring cities and townships. A collapsed wall would not only damage the sanitary line, it would shut down businesses and hinder households that depend on it. We have been informed that the walls of the Creek are one major storm away from a devastating collapse, which would cause the surrounding community to experience economic hardship due to flood damages, property destruction, and sanitary line service disruption.
A feasibility study is a crucial step toward comprehensively assessing the problem and ensuring the safety of the City of Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding community. Thank you in advance for your consideration of our views. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, we also respectfully request that you keep us informed of the status of this application. Finally if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact us or our staff.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
Matt Cartwright
United States Representative
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