Trending
Anyone old enough to recall the devastation wreaked by Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972 can appreciate flood-control efforts that were undertaken in the aftermath of that wide-scale weather calamity.
Similarly, people who experienced fear and/or destruction from recent heavy, persistent rains are likely to be more open to steps deemed necessary to try to prevent future flooding -- steps they might have opposed in the past.
Then, some people might be tempted to take matters into their own hands to try to rectify problem conditions that have not been addressed, despite pleas to local, regional or state government officials.
Without flood control, cities such as Williamsport and Lock Haven would have relived the nightmare of floods over and over again since 1972.
Since then, the federal government -- namely the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers -- has been countless levee systems, all the while drawing new floodplain maps.
Those maps dictate if you can build, what you can build and what flood insurance you have to pay.
Most are fair; some are not quite.
One point that needs emphasis going into any redrawing of floodplain maps in individual counties is that residents need to have a voice in helping to devise the corrective measures most likely to be successful toward dealing with threatening flood conditions.
What that means is that area residents need to have an ongoing window for comment regarding proposed legislation dealing with, among other things, keeping streams clear of debris and obstructions that can worsen the impact of flooding.
Nevertheless, a fact of life in terms of dealing with flood-prone conditions is that there must be reliance on professionals with expertise regarding those conditions. An incorrect course of "corrective" action can exacerbate flood danger
Fifty years since Agnes battered Lock Haven, Montgomery, Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre and elsewhere, people need watch closely as a package of flooding-related bills travels through the Pennsylvania Legislature, with some lawmakers hoping for quick action.
There is no guarantee yet that state residents will have enough opportunity to voice opinions and make suggestions about how the various considerations proceed, but they should have a voice.
Some of what legislators currently are considering, besides initiating stream-cleaning efforts where appropriate and specifying rules affecting, for example, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, are as follows:
-- Allow local governments to seek a permit for continuing maintenance of streams.
-- Allow counties to opt in to address stream hazards through emergency maintenance permits.
-- Creation of conservation district-issued permits for smaller maintenance projects.
-- Require the state Department of Environmental Protection to issue an annual report on flooding, stream maintenance and restoration.
Still, besides what is going on in the legislative chambers in Harrisburg, many state residents are cognizant of what is needed to address or lessen flooding dangers close to them.
They need to be able to speak about those dangers, as well as certain conditions that have remained off the proverbial radar.
State officials must set aside time to listen, even as they are debating the anti-flooding bills already proposed.