Trying To Prevent Flooding, Creek Project Getting Under Way

((first published August 24, 2011)

Two months after major flooding in Belmont County, officials said Wednesday that the waterways will be cleaned out and, as a result, new jobs will be coming to the area.

The county will receive $1 million to clean out the creeks and streams that clogged, overflowed and flooded roads and homes.

"They'll take chain saws, cut trees. We'll have to remove tires and have debris collection sites. We'll work with local contractors," said Dwayne Pielech of Belmont County Job & Family Services.

Pielech told commissioners that the grant came from the U.S. Department of Labor. He said, currently, he's getting things started by asking anyone who needs work to apply. He said about 50 people will need to be hired, but noted the job is temporary.

"They are going to make somewhere between $10 and $12 an hour to be able to work for six to 12 months to help clean these creeks," Pielech said.

He said the grant takes effect on Sept. 1 and is only a one-year grant. So, immediately after Sept. 1 officials will begin hiring workers.

While the mess still remains in many places from Mother Nature's storms early this summer, Pielech said he wants to start with the hardest-hit areas.

"We're going to sit down with the township leadership and look at prioritizing what creeks and streams are the most damaged with debris and then work from there," he said.

Officials said they hope to actually be in the creeks and streams by the end of September or early October. Pielech said if crews need to stop during the winter months, they will, but then they'll immediately start back up in the spring.