MOUNT CARMEL - The land acquisition needed to allow the Shamokin Creek Flood Control project to proceed has been completed by the borough.
Council President Tony Matulewicz this week provided The News-Item with a copy of a letter dated March 19 from the Department of General Services (DGS) stating the borough's requirements in the property attainment were met.
"I'm absolutely thrilled. I couldn't be happier with that letter. It's a relief for the people of Water Street," he said.
The borough's obligations included acquiring the rights to the land around the creek, consolidating deeds and signing them over to DGS.
However, one of the residents along the creek is remaining pessimistic.
"I'm pleased they have started, but I will not be satisfied until I see it completed," Emily Homanick, 68, of 319 E. Water St. "I have so much doubt, and there's been so much fighting to get it fixed.
The Mount Carmel woman lost a gas furnace, a hot water heater, a freezer full of food, a washer, a dryer and two dressers during the Flood of 2011. That was the first time she has lost so much, but not the first time she was flooded.
She told council in October that she thought she lost her home.
The letter also states an additional obligation of signing a reimbursement agreement with the borough, the Mount Carmel Municipal Authority and Northumberland County that would divide the costs associated with the streets among them. If there are any repairs or maintenance as a result of the project, the borough, as well as the county because they own and the bridges and the sewer authority because they own the pipes, will have to reimburse DGS, Matulewicz said.
"The project may be released for bid once all other project aspects are in order, including the complete execution of a reimbursement agreement..." the letter reads.
DGS requires borough representatives to physically deliver the deeds and associated documents to them by April 15. At that time, the creek project is out of the council's hands, and DGS can bid the project out and award a contract, which is expected by August at the earliest.
The project, which has been held up by numerous factors for nearly 20 years, is expected to alleviate flooding from Shamokin Creek that has repeatedly damaged several homes.