STONINGTON - Shamokin Township supervisors are joining surrounding areas in urging residents to report all flood damage. Secretary/Treasurer Stephanie McKinney and roadmaster Jon Clemens attended a meeting with Northumberland County officials Tuesday to gather information on flood assistance.
During their meeting Wednesday evening, supervisors reported citizens who have any flood damage must fill out a damage assessment form for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). McKinney said residents need to also fill out a county form after they have filled out the FEMA form. This can be done at a number of sites, including the Lower Northumberland County Senior Action Center, Sunbury Administration Center, Career and Arts Center in Shamokin and state representatives' offices.
McKinney said officials may extend the dates if necessary. Clemens explained that FEMA wants the information as soon as possible, so the county, PEMA (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency) and FEMA can move forward. The number to call for FEMA is 1-800-621-FEMA. McKinney and Clemens stressed the importance of reporting all flood damage.
Businesses are also urged to report their damage. They should call Pat Mack, Planning Commission, at 988-4220.
In other business Clemens presented the road report, stating that before the flood, most of the major projects had been completed. There is still some minor work to do, but because of flood problems, they may not get to all of them any time soon.
Clemens said Shamokin Township was very fortunate compared to surrounding areas regarding road damage . Old Reading Road is down to one lane, but all other roads in the township are open, he said. Clemens and assistant roadmaster Jeff Murphy assessed all road situations and are working on compiling numbers. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued all emergency permits that they will need for cleanup.
Chairman Tom Carl thanked Clemens, Murphy and George Wolfe of the fire department for all the time they devoted in to help township residents.
Clemens was chosen by SEDA-Council of Governments to attend a two-day state conference in Wilkes-Barre on road projects. Two representatives were chosen from the nine-county district. Clemens said Shamokin Township projects have been used as examples to other townships.
An executive session was held prior to the meeting concerning the junk ordinance.