August 13, 2024
FROM JASPER TROUPSBURG CENTRAL:
On August 12th we spoke with FEMA and DHSES during our regularly scheduled virtual meeting, which originally was intendent for review of the final floodproofing plan and scope of work for restoring the Jasper building following the 2021 flooding from TS Fred. Board of Education members, the district’s construction manager (Campus Construction) and architect (LaBella Associates) were also on the call. Given the new flooding from TS Debby, the following resulted from the meeting:
1) The district will write a request for an amendment to the already obligated FEMA and state funds for repair of the baseball and softball fields. Specifically, the request will ask for mitigation funding to better protect the fields from a future event. This will delay the field resurfacing that was supposed to be happening at the sports complex this week. In house conversations took place regarding relocating the softball field to a different area of the sports complex, and will be further investigated this week.
2) The district will be requesting that FEMA reconsider the previous determination of reconstruction at the current location of the Jasper building, and issue a directed relocation. This process begins with a written request to DHSES for consideration of support for the directed relocation, which will be submitted today.
The district has documented new damages resulting from TS Debby, including floodwater that entered the bottom floor of the pressbox and the soccer dugouts and the loss of a district truck and plow attachment. Insurance claims are in progress to assist with these items.
We continue to keep the surrounding communities in our thoughts, especially our PA neighbors as they grieve the loss of lives due to flooding.
