BREAKING NEWS: The Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority has just confirmed that levee protection fees will remain unchanged for 2026. Executive Director Christopher Belleman announced the decision during a meeting on October 24, 2023, easing concerns for over 14,200 property owners protected by the flood control system along the Susquehanna River.
The proposed budget for the upcoming year allocates $2.4 million for operational expenses and an additional $1.2 million for capital projects. The authority’s current fee structure, which has not increased since 2017, charges property owners between $63.43 and $1,213.08 based on property value assessments.
Residents with properties valued under $100,000 will continue to pay a fee of $63.43, while those with properties valued at $100,000 or more will see their fee rise to $126.87. Commercial property fees will range from $126.87 for properties under $100,000 to as high as $1,213.08 for properties valued at $750,000 or more.
The authority has identified critical repairs needed, including $375,000 earmarked for addressing riverside embankment sloughing near the Riverside Drive floodwall in Wilkes-Barre. Sloughing, a process where soil and debris can cause slopes to collapse, poses significant risk to the levee’s integrity.
In a related move, on October 21, the authority approved a contract worth $24,670 with Verdantas LLC to conduct a survey of the embankment area and provide recommendations for necessary repairs.
This announcement arrives at a crucial time when communities along the river are preparing for potential flooding events. By maintaining current fee structures, the authority aims to provide financial relief while ensuring that necessary flood protection measures remain in place.
Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed as the authority continues to monitor conditions and assess future needs. Further updates are expected as the planning process unfolds.
For more immediate updates on flood protection measures and budget allocations, stay tuned to local news sources.
