McKeesport – May 23, 2014 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today announced a $65,000 state grant for Elizabeth Township to repair flood damage along a tributary of the Youghiogheny River.

“It is important that the state use its financial resources to help address health and safety concerns,” Brewster said. “The repair of a flood-damage along a tributary of the Yough in Elizabeth Township will help alleviate future flooding concerns in the basin and improve water flow in the area.”

The area that is to be repaired is in Buena Vista in a section plagued by damage caused by severe storms. The project includes 80 feet of stream bank stabilization using Gabion baskets, rock and pre-cast concrete to hamper future erosion.

Brewster, who serves as a member of the Senate’s Community and Economic Development Committee, said that mitigating flood issues is important for future redevelopment potential in the region.

“The communities in the Mon Valley has a long tradition of marshalling and harnessing our natural resources and we’ve adjusted to flood threats by making changes that help reduce future episodes,” Brewster said.

The grant is being administered by the state Department of Environmental protection.

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