January 22, 1997|By Lisa Respers | Lisa Respers,SUN STAFF
On the one-year anniversary of a flood that forced evacuation of Port Deposit in Cecil County, a gubernatorial task force yesterday said state and utility officials have adopted better emergency plans and a faster system to warn residents.
"We've got to keep the lines of communication open because the next flood like this may not occur for another 20 years," said Robert Summers, who took part in the yearlong review, outlined yesterday by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency at the Conowingo Dam Visitors Center.
Port Deposit, a small town on the east bank of the Susquehanna River, received the brunt of flooding last year when officials at the Pennsylvania utility that runs the dam opened dozens of floodgates because of ice.
Many residents complained that they did not receive sufficient warning that the floodgates were to be opened.
Officials said yesterday that most of the task force recommendations, including development of a detailed flood forecast by the National Weather Service and a multimedia warning system for Port Deposit, already are in place.
The study also led to formation of a group of technical experts who have agreed to meet annually to review operations at the dam, which is run by the Susquehanna Electric Co.
Wayne L. Tome Sr., a Port Deposit councilman and member of the Water Witch Fire Company, said he is happy with the changes by the state and the utility.
"Things have improved tremendously over the last year," Tome said. "In the event that this type of disaster does occur again, I think we are going to be able to negate a lot of property loss in the future."
Port Deposit Town Administrator Vincent Hughes said the town has rebounded well from the flood that left millions of dollars in damage.
"Realistically, this is all for the good of the people of Port Deposit, and we are happy with the spirit of cooperation," Hughes said.
"Port Deposit has worked hard to put itself back together."
Pub Date: 1/22/97
