Approval of Revised Plan Would Expedite Repairs and Include Access Road for Community Residents
Casey Saw Damage Firsthand in Aftermath of Flash Flood
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly approve a modified scope of work to repair flood damage in Plymouth Township.
The modified scope of work takes the place of a preliminary plan, and would move the repairs forward more quickly and efficiently. The plan would also include an access road so residents and emergency personnel could reach the community during the three to four months during which Tilbury Terrace Road is being repaired and inaccessible.
“I’m calling on FEMA to quickly approve this scope of work so construction can begin to repair the damage from the devastating flash flooding,” said Senator Casey. “Completion of this project will be a significant step toward returning normalcy to the community, so I urge FEMA to approve this plan without delay.”
Senator Casey visited Plymouth Township in the immediate aftermath of the flooding and vowed to ensure all possible federal assistance be brought to help the community recover.
Senator Casey’s letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate is below.
Mr. W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
The Federal Emergency Management Agency
Dear Mr. Fugate:
I write to you today regarding the adjustment of the scope of work and costs for Plymouth Township in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania as outlined in PW-00394, “Tilbury Terrace Slope and Road Repairs”.
As you know, Plymouth Township was devastated by flooding last year. It is my understanding that the Township submitted changes to Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) for the original project worksheet (PW), which was written as a placeholder until a certified engineering firm could investigate damages.
The firm reported alternative methods, which would allow for lower costs than the original PW for repairs to Tilbury Terrace Road. Since this road is the only access road to 65 homes, the Township will have to build a temporary access road during construction. I respectfully ask that this be considered as you update the costs in the PW for this project.
I urge you to approve these changes in a timely manner so that work can move forward in this community. Thank you for your attention to this request.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
###
