Port Deposit to get aid for wall repairs

The Cecil County town of Port Deposit is getting $421,000 from the state to help repair a retaining wall that began cracking significantly in February as a result of heavy rain, snow and cold, posing a threat to homes.

"It's wonderful. We really appreciate everyone pulling together," said Robert Flayhart, mayor of the Susquehanna River town of nearly 800.

Flayhart met yesterday with town and state administrators about the repairs, which engineers say could cost $1.3 million.

Brian LaFond, a town councilman who attended the meeting, said the group included representatives from the state Departments of Natural Resources and the Environment, and the offices of U.S. Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes and Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest.

"It looks very good that we'll have other funds," LaFond said.

The century-old retaining wall supports High Street, a steep, dead-end road where a handful of homes perch over Main Street.