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Residents urge faster action on Gaysport stormwater after June flooding; council says project remains priority
Summary
Multiple residents described extensive flood damage from June storms and urged the borough to accelerate stormwater work, clear a mini ditch and reconsider silt-screen placement; staff said they purchased land for a retention pond and are working with state offices after a State Historic Preservation Office recommendation for a phase 2 survey.
Holidaysburg, Pa. — Residents from the Gaysport neighborhood told borough council on July 10 that repeated, preventable flooding damaged basements, appliances and personal belongings during a June storm and asked the borough to speed construction of a planned retention pond and improve interim maintenance of a small drainage channel referred to as the “mini ditch.”
Multiple speakers described the June 17 storm response and damage: one resident reported about 5½ feet of water in a basement and damage to furnaces and water heaters; others recounted ruined belongings, lost family memorabilia, and days of cleanup. Several residents said silt-screen devices placed at storm inlets intended to protect downstream waterways had instead blocked storm drains during the storm and contributed to street and basement flooding. That prompted calls for the borough to reevaluate the screens’ placement and to increase routine inspection and cleaning of drains and the mini ditch.
Elder Goose, a Gaysport resident, told council, “This hope has given way to exhaustion and a growing sense of hopelessness,” and urged interim protective measures while major infrastructure is delayed. Other residents called for a regular schedule of clearing the mini ditch and quicker removal of debris that blocks flow.
Borough staff and council reported actions and constraints. Staff said the borough purchased property for the retention pond (the record notes borough acquisition of land intended for the pond) and that applications are in place to secure outside funding: a community-project funding request for $1,200,000 was submitted to U.S. Rep. John Joyce and Sen. David McCormick. Council members and staff said they are working with the district offices of state and federal representatives, and with Blair County Conservation District staff. Council also said it is pursuing options with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to address a recent recommendation from the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO): SHPO has advised a phase 2 archaeological survey, which would delay construction and add cost. Council and staff said they are seeking alternatives and expedited review to avoid or shorten a full phase 2 process where possible.
Residents asked for interim measures: remove or reposition silt screens when storms are imminent, increase storm-drain inspections and maintenance, and commit to more frequent clearing of the mini ditch. Fire and emergency-services representatives described multiple calls for flooding response on June 17 and said volunteer crews helped with pumping and traffic control.
Council and staff repeatedly said the project remains a top priority and pledged continued advocacy. Staff advised they are coordinating with Michelle Ivory (office of state Representative Judy Ward) and Donna Fisher of the Blair County Conservation District to find permitted short-term measures for the mini ditch while the retention-pond permitting and archaeological-review questions are resolved. Council asked that the matter remain on future agendas so staff can provide updated timelines and to report back on any grant or permitting decisions.
No final construction timeline was adopted at the meeting while SHPO’s recommendation and permitting constraints remain under discussion. Council advised residents to document damages, continue communicating with borough staff, and return to council for specific follow-up in coming meetings.
