Flood prevention in place
By Alex Davis Endeavor News

Emporium Borough Council plans to hire summer help to ease the threat of flooding in portions of the town.

Workers would help clear the debris and vegetation buildup in the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek, in the vicinity of the school buildings. At this month's meeting, Council agreed to set aside $7,000 from the sale of the former Tino's Italian Restaurant for the work.

Councilman Maxwell Narby pointed out that portions of the Driftwood Branch have been neglected for 30 years. Narby attempted to assemble a corps of volunteers to perform the work last year, but the project had to be postponed.

Borough Manager Don Reed said he will meet with Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection officials soon to determine the next step in the plan to widening sections of the waterway.

"It's a dire necessity to get the channel cleared," Borough Council President Joe Fragale agreed.

Last summer, Council took a major step toward easing downtown flooding dangers by clearing sand, soil and other debris that was blocking the underground drainage system in the center of town.