Feb 5, 2017 2 min read

In December, Greene County experienced predictable flooding from Ten Mile Creek and its tributaries. Again, flood waters damaged businesses and forced evacuations of families from their homes. Flooded roads caused detours and massive headaches for drivers and emergency crew workers. The flooding episodes go back into time immemorial.

Several years ago, I attended a public meeting in South Waynesburg convened to gather public input for the Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful program. My input highlighted the need for stormwater management for the flood plain bordering South Waynesburg. Instantly, a well-groomed, articulate man jumped to his feet to challenge my statements. I was suddenly filled with great surprise by his actions. He said there was no flooding problem in South Waynesburg. He said he was born there, still lived there and had never seen a flood in South Waynesburg. Even more astonishing was the fact that not a single person in attendance questioned his challenge.

Local and regional newspapers carried photographs and accounts that graphically illustrated and described the flood impact at the reconstruction site for the Morrisville Freedom Bridge. State Rep. Pam Snyder reportedly advised that crews from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency assess the damage.

A public release of a report on the flooding would greatly serve to make governance more transparent and promote the general welfare in Greene County. Evidently both are sorely needed.

Of particular public interest is the fact that reconstruction of Freedom Bridge is located in a flood plain. Commonwealth policy disallows development in a flood plain.

Paul Lagojda

Cumberland