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New Cumberland concerned about flood funds

NEW CUMBERLAND — Officials are concerned changes in the federal government could result in New Cumberland not receiving remediation funding to assist with cleanup efforts from last spring’s flooding.

During Monday’s meeting of New Cumberland Council, City Clerk Tammy Jenkins noted she had participated in what she referred to as a “final meeting” with representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in relation to flooding last April, which saw waters from the Ohio River spill into several local communities.

Officials indicated the focus for the city is the possible demolition of eight properties damaged by the flooding, with FEMA previously agreeing to provide funds to cover the costs.

“I have arrangements for a surveyor,” Jenkins said, indicating a cost of $400 per property.

However, she said she also has been receiving emails indicating funding beyond the surveyor costs may no longer be available as a result of changes in agency management under the Trump administration.

Jenkins explained they have an opportunity to also get an appraisal done of the eight properties, which would help to evaluate the costs of asbestos abatement and demolition, but was concerned about taking any additional action without guarantees of the funding availability.

“I have to have it to move forward,” she said, adding final applications are due in the coming weeks.

Ward 1 Councilman Mike Watkins said he feels future funding could be delayed, but should arrive eventually.

“Money that was already promised was put on hold, but should trickle down,” Watkins said.

However, City Solicitor Kevin Pearl said it also is possible the funds may never arrive.

Council directed Jenkins to have the surveying performed and complete the application process for the funds, with the hope money will be available at some point to complete the project.

In other business Monday, council heard from resident Robert Catto, of 1001 North Chestnut St., who had concerned about a retaining wall possibly falling into the street.

“There’s some concrete that was put on the retaining wall,” Catto said. “It’s pulling away.”

Mayor Will White noted, though, there has to be a determination over ownership of the wall before anything can be done, with Pearl explaining, based on pictures and maps he was shown, he feels it most likely is on Catto’s property.

“We can look at the deed, but it’s most likely your property,” Pearl said.

Council also heard from Diane Wells of Family Care Ministry, which offers a six-month, faith-based program to assist those battling substance abuse issues. Council offered to make a donation of $500 to the organization, with funds derived from New Cumberland’s portion of West Virginia’s opioid settlement funds, pending it meeting eligibility.

Officials noted New Cumberland received $3,000 from the settlement allocations.

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