PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON TO CREATE THE EASTWICK DISASTER RELIEF TASKFORCE

In Council News, Featured, Kenyatta Johnson, News by admin

Like it? Share it!

Philadelphia, PA – August 20, 2020 — Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) intends to form an intergovernmental disaster relief taskforce dedicated to exploring the causes of, and solutions to, Eastwick’s historical flooding.

Sections of Eastwick were devastated by the flooding that happened on August 4. Many houses received several feet of water in their basements. The residents are still cleaning up several weeks later.  

“I believe that we need to move with a sense of urgency to help bring relief to the residents of Eastwick that have experienced the devastating impacts of recent flooding” Johnson said. “Communication and collaboration between all stakeholders, agencies and offices involved is needed to create sustainable solutions to address short-term and long-term flood mitigation in Eastwick.” 

The goal of the taskforce will be to host bimonthly (every two months) meetings between stakeholders and City of Philadelphia, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Federal Agencies and Officials in order to monitor the progress of the work regarding flood mitigation plans in Eastwick. These meetings will provide all stakeholders an opportunity to work in collaboration and coordination regarding the future plans for the Eastwick Community. This taskforce will also provide the affected residents a seat at the table, and an opportunity for their concerns to be heard. 

Some organizations that Councilmember Johnson plans to invite to participate are: Eastwick United, Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition, U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyU.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S Army Corp of EngineersPhiladelphia Office of Emergency ManagementPhiladelphia Managing Directors Office, Philadelphia Water Department, the Mayor’s Office, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, Pennsylvania Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Pennsylvania U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams, and Pennsylvania State Representative Maria P. Donatucci. 

Councilman Johnson expects the first meeting to take place before the end of September 2020.   

# # #

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, a former Pennsylvania State Representative, represents the 2nd Council  District which includes parts of Center City, South Philadelphia, Eastwick and Southwest Philadelphia

Print Friendly, PDF & Email