UPDATE: The Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority has just announced that levee protection fees will remain unchanged for the upcoming year. Executive Director Christopher Belleman confirmed this decision during a crucial meeting held on October 21, 2023 in Forty Fort.
This announcement comes as officials prepare a budget for 2026 that allocates a significant $2.4 million for operational expenditures and $1.2 million for capital projects. The authority maintains an annual fee structure that varies between $63.43 and $1,213.08 for more than 14,200 properties protected by the 16-mile levee system along the Susquehanna River.
Residents and business owners in areas including Wilkes-Barre, Hanover Township, Kingston, Plymouth, and others will continue to pay the same fees, which have not increased since 2017. For residential properties, the fee remains at $63.43 for improvements valued at less than $100,000, and $126.87 for those valued at $100,000 or more. Commercial properties face a tiered fee structure where costs escalate based on assessed value.
In addition to maintaining fees, the proposed budget includes $375,000 earmarked for vital repairs to address riverside embankment sloughing near the Riverside Drive floodwall in Wilkes-Barre. This alarming phenomenon involves the downward movement of soil, rocks, and debris, posing significant risks to structural integrity.
During the meeting, the authority also approved a contract worth $24,670 with Verdantas LLC to conduct a survey of the embankment area and recommend necessary repairs. This proactive approach underscores the authority’s commitment to flood protection and community safety.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed as the authority prepares for potential challenges ahead. The decision to keep fees stable comes as a relief for many in the community, allowing property owners to plan their finances without the burden of increased costs.
As the flood protection authority moves forward with its budget and projects, monitoring the conditions of the levee system will be critical. Stakeholders are reminded to remain vigilant as weather patterns evolve.
For ongoing updates, stay tuned and share this information to keep your community informed about important developments regarding flood protection and safety in Luzerne County.
