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Flood Cleanup
We have heard about the problem for years. Every time there is a natural disaster, the victime report frustration with the timeliness, extent and sanity of federal assistance. Now it is Rappahannock’s turn.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is empowered to assist the county in restoring the Rush and upper Jordan rivers to pre-flood conditions. A great deal of effort went into compiling a list of 20 projects that would be put out to bid. The county sought and received permission from landowners for the work. County officials worked with the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection to make sure none of the projects would be detrimental to the rivers. The county hoped this might also provide employment for local contractors. Mostly people in Harris Hollow hoped for relief from conditions that make further flooding more likely.
The process has been slow. During a review by some employees of the NRCS other NRCS employees were overruled, and some of the projects were scaled back. Other projects were eliminated because exasperated landowners quit waiting and did some of the work themselves. The rest was then ruled unnecessary.
More than two months after the flood three projects have been completed. Bids have been accepted for another eight. The complexity and extreme detail of the specifications for the projects receiving federal funds scared off all local bidders. In the primary example of federal idiocy grass seed was scattered over rounded river rocks and carefully mulched. And the residents of Harris Hollow wonder why they ever expected a reasonable level of assistance from the federal government.
Meanwhile frustration with the federal governemtn does not extend to all state agencies. The state’s Forestry Service provided prompt, courteous assistance. A major flood-created dam of rock, dirt, branches and household goods was removed. In several other areas the Forrestry Service gave timely assistance.
The federal government does not bear primary responsibility for delays in rebuilding a house for the Fletcher family. The first site selected did not perk. Then two other sites were tested and passed.
Eventually Mrs. Fletcher will acquire nearby property owned by the Nature Conservancy in a boundary adjustment. Then the county will see how well the proposed partnership between federal and state agencies combined with volunteer fundraising and labor works to get the family a new home with minimal debt.
Virginia residents have been generous in responding to the disaster. Fundraising by the Piedmont United Way, the American Red Cross and the governor’s Hands Across Virginia campaign has been overwhelmingly successful. We hope this leads to real help for a family that truly deserves it.
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