Nearly three years after Hurricane Florence, New Bern’s repair work, prep for next storm continues - New Bern Sun Journal

Nearly three years after Hurricane Florence, New Bern’s repair work, prep for next storm continues - New Bern Sun Journal
'Heartbreaking' flood damage in South Canterbury - Stuff.co.nz
Winter storm racks up $6.1 million in damage to city buildings and vehicles | Eyewitness Wants to Know - KENS5.com

Posted: 28 May 2021 07:44 AM PDT

Disaster mitigation planning and repair work in the wake of Hurricane Florence has touched nearly every government department within the City of New Bern, from public works and parks and recreation to the city's fire and police departments. Almost three years after the storm inflicted more than $200 million in structural damage across Craven County, with nearly half of that in New Bern alone, the city continues to use both state and local money in its effort to guard against impacts from future storms.

According to former New Bern City Manager Mark Stephens, there were approximately 290 claims for damages throughout the city following Hurricane Florence, many related to stormwater-related issues. More than 20 municipally-owned buildings were damaged as well.

To date, the City of New Bern has received approximately $1.8 million in funding for its Hazard Mitigation and Resiliency Planning project, which is currently in progress. The funding has come from organizations such as the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund, and the Golden LEAF Foundation.

The following is a comprehensive look at the City of New Bern's repair and mitigation efforts since September 2018, using the information provided by various department heads. The information shows the extent of the ongoing efforts to repair infrastructure damage resulting from Hurricane Florence, a testament to the destructive force that flooded city streets and homes. It also shows the role played by FEMA and grants from organizations such as the Golden LEAF Foundation in assisting the City in its recovery efforts.

As Colleen Roberts, public information officer for the City of New Bern, noted, "there is no cumulative list of everything the City has done since Hurricane Florence and no way to fully capture everything envisioned for future projects."

Public Works

Public Works continues to work through the 150 incidents of storm-related damage to city facilities, equipment and other infrastructure, though most work orders have now been completed.

A $33 million stormwater/drainage project funded through FEMA is currently underway as are mitigation repairs to City Hall.

More: https://www.newbernsj.com/news/20190506/new-bern-residents-starting-over-in-hurricane-dama

Water/Sewer

After working to repair and replace the estimated $1.2 million in city infrastructure that was damaged during the storm, most of which was flood-related, Water and Sewer Resources is working to implement mitigation solutions in critical areas where water systems may be susceptible to damage from future storm events. Examples of the ongoing work include:

• Relocation and elevation of Sewer Pump Station No. 10, which sits on the bank of Lawson Creek and suffered heavy flood damage from Florence. The relocation plan will move the pump station and elevate the critical components above the floodplain. This project has been awarded a $500,000 Golden LEAF grant for a portion of the funding. The design for the project is complete and it is currently going through the permitting process, with construction expected to begin this summer.

•Wastewater Treatment Plant Influent Pump Station Rehabilitation Project: This project included the rehabilitation of the existing influent pump station at the main Wastewater Treatment Plant and the replacement of piping and pump components. The project is now complete and the influent station, wet well, pumps, piping, and influent gravity system have all been rehabilitated or replaced and is expected to provide another 30 years of service.

• Rehabilitation of large sewer outfall pipelines in low-lying flood-prone areas. To date, more than 2,000 linear feet of pipe has been rehabilitated.

• Investment in new backup generators for water supply wells and sewer pump stations so they can continue to operate during prolonged power outages during large storm events.

Electric

After completing the restoration of the electric system once the storm cleared, the City's Electric Department was responsible for new service construction following private property restorations and rebuilds. The City received a Golden LEAF Foundation grant for $300,000 to help raise and/or relocate inundated critical infrastructure. The work is expected to be complete in December 2021.

Staff has also developed a system improvement plan estimated at $10 million and are currently exploring funding options.

Parks and Recreation

The Parks and Recreation Department has completed an estimated $123,000 in repair and restoration work of damaged parks and facilities for the following locations:

• Administration Building-$39,000

• City cemeteries-$60,000

• Kafer Park-$24,000

Other parks and facilities that sustained various levels of storm damage are either completely repaired or in the process of being repaired. The damages run the gamut from minor fixes such as sidewalk damage, missing signage, missing fencing/handrails, damaged ballfield lights, and shingle loss, to major ones such as damaged docks, gangways, pilings and stationary piers. The storm also destroyed the city's concert stage and damaged restrooms.

The progress of work at other city parks includes:

• Work has been completed at: Donald Lee Miller Park, Ft. Totten Park, Lawson Creek Park, Leander Morgan Park, Lourenco Park, Martin Marietta Park, Monk Mallard Park, New Bern Aquatic Center, Pleasant Hill Park, Riverwalk, Seth West Parrot Park, Tryon Village Park, Union Point Park.

• Glenburnie Park (60% completed)

• Henderson Park (25%)

• Pierce Park (90%)

• Queens Point Riverwalk (80%)

• Purchase of new mobile city stage

More: A close-up of Hurricane Florence in photos

Fire-Rescue

New Bern Fire and Rescue has purchased additional swift water and boating equipment to service capabilities. The purchase was funded through a Golden LEAF grant of approximately $34,000. The department has also used a $20,000 grant from NC Emergency Management to provide additional training for personnel in swift water and boating operations and continued its collaboration with other state agencies to improve interoperability during disaster events.

Other steps the department has taken since Hurricane Florence include:

• Collaboration amongst local fire departments to reduce the redundancy of equipment and increase the number of qualified rescue staff.

• Updated its damage assessment software to improve the efficiency of reporting to FEMA and other pertinent agencies.

• Obtained new software from NC Emergency Management to improve accountability of personnel and real-time tracking of emergency rescues.

• Repairs to fire truck that was partially flooded during the hurricane.

Police

The New Bern Police Department has made internal planning changes during disaster events, including improving sleeping arrangements for prolonged duty stays and improving meal distribution plans for staff.

The department has also purchased a high clearance special response vehicle that can be used in flooding situations.

Finance

As a result of Florence, which highlighted the importance of tracking and filing sometimes years-long eligible FEMA claims for reimbursement, the City added a full-time accounting position to focus on FEMA and grant projects.

The City has also contracted with Disaster Recovery Services (DRS) to help ensure that the City claims all reimbursement for which it is eligible. Weekly meetings are held with three to six City representatives and DRS staff to continue the claims and application processes, discuss timelines, and to monitor reimbursements.

To date, 36 projects have been identified for FEMA reimbursement, with 20 of those now completed. The City has received reimbursement for 13 of the completed projects.

Hazard Mitigation and Resiliency Plan to include Duffyfield Stormwater Enhancement Project

The City's Hazard Mitigation and Resiliency Plan is designed to increase community resilience to flooding, including addressing the impacts of sea level rise and climate change. The goal of the plan is to build the community's capacity "to avoid, prepare for, withstand, recover and build back better after hazard events with a specific focus on underserved and historic communities."

The plan will take a multi-phased approach that will include recommendations for business, residential and governmental implementations.

More: Duffyfield stormwater project moving forward

The Hazard Mitigation and Resiliency Plan includes the Duffyfield Stormwater Enhancement Project, with a goal of improving safety and water quality, reducing the impacts of flooding, and providing an ecological amenity. Phase I is currently under construction and the City is seeking funding mechanisms for the construction of phases II, III, and IV, including a linear stormwater system, infrastructure and site improvements and wetland plantings.

The City plans to use existing city-owned parcels to create a linear retention pond that will drain into the existing Biddle Street Pond and Pump Station that captures approximately a 60-acre sub-basin of untreated urban runoff and divert it to the Jack Smith Creek.

To date, $970,551 in funding has been raised to complete phase I.

More: New Bern to receive state grant for hurricane resiliency efforts

The City recently received a $328, 500 grant from the NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency to provide support related to resiliency, community recovery, and mitigation in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

'Heartbreaking' flood damage in South Canterbury - Stuff.co.nz

Posted: 29 May 2021 09:04 PM PDT

GREG and NICKIE KIRK

Floodwaters race across the Winchester-Geraldine road outside Greg and Nickie Kirk's property in South Canterbury.

Greg and Nickie Kirk have vowed to rebuild after a flood-swollen Waihi River burst its banks and wiped out the South Canterbury couple's 18 months of hard work.

The Kirks, who have been in restoration and landscaping mode since buying their property in the small town of Winchester, felt helpless as the water wiped out vegetable gardens, inundated garages, vehicles and sheds, stopping just a few centimetres short of getting into the house they had painted inside and out.

CHARLIE O'MANNIN/Stuff

Greg and Nickie Kirk look out at their flood-hit property in Winchester, South Canterbury.

"We've knocked it [the property] into shape. Now we've lost it,'' Greg said.

"I sandbagged around as much as I could, but we lost the cause."

READ MORE:

* State of emergency in Ashburton and Timaru, evacuations and road closures as rivers surge in Canterbury
* State of emergency declared in Timaru District

Greg said when they woke up on Sunday morning, the creek on the property was bank to bank.

"What buggered us is the Waihi breaking its bank and sending all the stuff this way."

CHARLIE O'MANNIN/Stuff

A vehicle is submerged in floodwaters on Greg and Nickie Kirk's property at Winchester in South Canterbury.

Nickie added "it just came up so fast ... just got the car out and husband just got his truck and trailer out... the other two cars are under water."

"It's heartbreaking... we will start again,'' she said.

"It's actually quite surreal. When you are in a situation like this it is hard to prioritise things ... [we're] not sure where to start first.

CHARLIE O'MANNIN/Stuff

Flooding surrounds Greg and Nickie Kirk's house at Winchester in South Canterbury.

"It's quite overwhelming."

The couple said it was hard to know where to start first, and while "things were only things'', it's like it's not happening to you, but it is''.

ROGER HARPER

The Waihi River, at Te Awa Rd, where the road is closed.

"Furniture and stuff can be replaced but it is all the work we done.

"It's just a bit gutwrenching... if I could show you the before pictures you would be quite gobsmacked at what we've done.

"Rebuild again, go again,'' Greg added.

JOHN BISSET/STUFF

A state of emergency has been declared in South Canterbury because of flooding and a rapid rise in river levels.

The Kirkes have gone to stay with neighbours Bruce Wright and John Grieve, owners of nearby Mia Flora Cafe and Garden Centre.

"I went over there at 9.30 and there was an absolute torrent of flooding going through," Wright said.

"Guys from Fire and Emergency came and said they'd have to evacuate.

"We helped them get their furniture out of their home and into rooms at our place. We're up on high ground."

CHARLIE O'MANNIN/Stuff

Floodwaters surround a car on Greg and Nickie Kirk's property at Winchester in South Canterbury.

Another couple, Jenna and Dale Nimmo who own Jenna Sews on the Winchester-Geraldine highway corner, also evacuated to Mia Flora.

"A creek runs close to their house at the back."

Wright said this was the third time in his memory that flooding had occurred in the area.

CHARLIE O'MANNIN/Stuff

Floodwaters from the Waihi River pour across Greg and Nickie Kirk's property at Winchester.

Winter storm racks up $6.1 million in damage to city buildings and vehicles | Eyewitness Wants to Know - KENS5.com

Posted: 17 May 2021 12:00 AM PDT

The Eyewitness Wants to Know team got the city's analysis through an open records request.

SAN ANTONIO — The City of San Antonio released an assessment of the destruction left behind from February's winter storm. The damage totals in the millions of dollars. The Eyewitness Wants to Know team got the city's analysis through an open records request.

FROZEN PIPES & HVAC SYSTEMS

According to the City of San Antonio, 124 properties and dozens of vehicles had damage, with the total price tag more than $6.1 million. Most of the damage was caused by frozen or ruptured pipes. Animal Care Services had damage after a pipe in a wash bay froze. The airport reported the majority of its damage happened after fire protection lines froze, and the sprinkler system was disabled in the car rental garage including several escalators.

All five of the convention and sports facilities, 22 buildings managed by the Center City Development and Operations (CCDO), along with 20 of the 32 properties the Building and Equipment Services Department (BESD) oversees, reported damage that included water seeping into walls, ceiling tiles, flooring, and light fixtures. BESD noted that their District 4 Field Office took extensive water damage to the building, furniture, and computer equipment. They also noted that "power fluctuations impacted HVAC systems." The CCDO and the Solid Waste Management Department also noted freeze damage to plants.

The Bob Ross Senior Center – managed by the Department of Human Services – had "nearly 50% of the facility" impacted by multiple water leaks, with months of repairs estimated by the city. Emergency water shut-off was needed, and DHS listed repairs that included multiple plumbing leaks, a fire alarm system, building restoration to prevent mold, replacement of drywall, flooring, furniture, and IT equipment.

Libraries across the city had the most expensive damage at almost 2 million dollars because water destroyed books and other materials. Forest Hills Library, on the city's West Side, saw $1.5 million in estimated damage alone after "a significant portion" of the library's books and materials were lost when the entire facility was flooded. The library was just completing a bond project. Central Library an estimated $200,000 in maintenance after water damaged multiple floors of the building, going down a stairwell into several walls and other areas. All of the library locations opened back up by February 24, except for the Forest Hills branch.

Metro Health saw three-quarters of a million dollars in damage after water is suspected of causing foundation issues at the East Side's Dorie Miller Clinic This was the only building of its 26 properties managed by Metro Health that saw damage. Frozen water lines caused leaks in the ceilings and the walls between cinder block and drywall, and impacted walls, ceilings, floors, asphalt, furniture, and other equipment.

PRE-K 4 SA's North Education facility had water pipes in its outside playground area implode causing water to overflow in the outdoor learning area. The Parks Department had nearly half a million in damage to swimming pools, drinking fountains, and restrooms at 23 different properties. The freeze ruptured the coils of the Ron Darner Parks Operations Headquarters' chiller system, and other community center buildings had ceilings, insulation, drywall, cabinetry, and appliances damaged.

Bay doors and gates at fire stations could not operate, heating systems were offline, and freezing temperatures damage some backflow devices. The Police Training Academy had water lines and sprinkler systems freeze, causing damage to the facility and heating system.

CITY VEHICLES

As previously reported, it wasn't just not having power and heat inside that was costly. The weather also caused damage to city vehicles.

Records provided by the city to KENS 5 show more than 90 city-owned vehicles – most of them belonging to San Antonio's police and fire departments – were damaged in some way or another while responding to the historic weather event, to the tune of $1.78 million. The biggest line item in the city's report is a loss of $875,000 attributed to an SAFD engine deemed a total loss.

Most of the other vehicles' damages are attributed to body damage, equipment damage, or dead batteries amid the freezing temperatures.

Of the 92 total damaged or lost vehicles, the city says 38 were SAPD cruisers while another 27 were various SAFD vehicles. Developmental services, parks and recreations, public works, and solid waste were other departments whose vehicles were damaged from the storms.

Below is an itemized list of the damage. Click here if the embedded document does not appear.

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