The reopening of a section of Snydertown and a zero-tolerance enforcement of a road closure in Columbia County led the latest developments stemming from the Flood of 2011.
Snydertown Rd. open
MONTOURSVILLE - PennDOT officials announced Wednesday that Snydertown Road from Black Mill Road in Upper Augusta Township to Market Street in Snydertown has been reopened to the public. This leaves just two roads closed in Northumberland County, which were damaged earlier this month due to flooding.
The two roads still blocked are Reading Turnpike Road from Route 61 in Shamokin Township to Airport Road in Ralpho Township and Irish Valley Road in Shamokin Township, from Route 61 to Schoolhouse Road.
Police to enforce road closure
CATAWISSA - Effective immediately, the Locust Township Police Department will be strictly enforcing the "road closed" signs that are located on Route 487 (Southern Drive) at the Krick Road intersection and Knoebel's Parkway intersection.
Police Chief Allen L. Breach said it will be a zero tolerance enforcement detail, and all violators will be cited. Also, additional citations will be issued to those who are caught moving the barricades and road cones placed by PennDOT.
"It is our understanding that Route 487 will be closed until on or about Oct. 6. Motorists are advised to give themselves plenty of extra travel time and follow the posted detour routes," Breach wrote in a press release.
Residents and visitors are reminded that they can check on road status updates or post questions to the department at its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/locustpd.
Disaster Recovery Center coming to Snyder County
HARRISBURG - FEMA and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Snyder County today to help residents and business owners with their recovery from the recent storms and flooding. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to answer questions about low interest rate loans.
The DRC will open beginning at 1 p.m. today at the CareerLink Center, 713 Bridge St., Selinsgrove. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week beginning Friday.
Disaster officials recommend residents and business owners register by phone before visiting a DRC to streamline the process. Anyone may visit any DRC regardless of where they live or work.
To register for assistance, call (800) 621-FEMA (3362). Applicants with a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call (800) 462-7585 or go to DisasterAssistance.gov. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call (800) 621-3362. Operators assist callers seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.