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Public works director details extensive water‑system damage, repairs and staffing strain after Helene
Summary
Public Works Director Jamie Matthews and water operator Charlie Gross summarized months of emergency repairs after Tropical Storm Helene, credited Davis Water for emergency supply, reported a DEQ loan and FEMA reimbursement process, and defended staff against social-media criticism.
The town’s public works leadership described widespread water‑system damage from Tropical Storm Helene, the emergency response and the current status of repairs — and pushed back against public criticism of staff performance.
Jamie Matthews, the town’s public works director, said the storm caused flash flooding, extensive erosion and washouts that left large sections of distribution piping exposed or destroyed, pump stations and tanks offline, and the SCADA control system inoperative. Matthews said staff shut pumps to protect expensive, custom motors and that the town relied on contractual deliveries from Davis Water to refill tanks until the distribution system could be repaired.
“Davis Water has really,…
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