LAKEPORT >> The fence in Library Park will remain in place for one more year. The city of Lakeport is working with FEMA to get funds to repair the sidewalk and other fixtures damaged by last year’s flooding.
Public Works Director Doug Grider said this is only one of the many projects that were necessary after the flood in the winter of 2017. Other projects included the bark replacement in Library Park, inspection and repair of street lights around the area, debris removal and other protective measures.
“The way it stands right now it looks like it’s going to be approved as a mitigation measure,” Grider said. “I’m really hoping within the next 30 to 60 days we will have confirmation on that and then at that time we can start the long process of environmental reviews and the fun stuff that comes with a major project.”
Once this all gets processed through, the city will then put out bids proposals for a project. A preliminary schedule calls for work to start on the sidewalk by fall of this year.
City officials will be meeting in April to check insurance claims and update projects left with FEMA.
So far the city has received around $250,000 for the projects from the disaster.
By taking the projects at a slower pace, planning them and working with FEMA the city has been able to regain some of the funds they used for projects.
“We are looking at hopefully recouping somewhere in the neighborhood between $1.5 to $2 million,” Grider said.
This includes everything the city did as well to help protect itself such as utilizing staff time, sandbags, water walls, the aqua dam and other activities.
“You have a responsibility, as far as FEMA’s concern, to do your best to limit the damage and protect your own assets, and that’s what protective measure is,” Grider said.
Lakeport City Manager Margaret Silveira said this has been a slow process but has been worth it.
“It looks like we’re going to get almost everything covered in repairs by taking our time going through the projects through the FEMA process. So far it’s been really good,” Silveira said.
The staff has also been working on Hazard Mitigation Plans so in the future, they can show FEMA how Lakeport has mitigated hazards and the assets and show there is something in place.
“Staff will continue to do the newsletters to give updates and do website updates especially now since summer is coming and people will use the park more. A lot of questions are coming up on what’s going on with the park so we want to make sure we get the word out.
