CM McDuffie press release: CM McDuffie issues multi-pronged call for action on Bloomingdale flooding

From: "Clark, Timothy (Council)"
To: "eckington@yahoogroups.com" ; "edgewooddc@yahoogroups.com" ; "ward5@yahoogroups.com" ; "wardfive@googlegroups.com" ; "brookland@yahoogroups.com" ; "trinidaddc@yahoogroups.com" ; "brentwooddc@yahoogroups.com"
Sent: Tuesday, September 4, 2012 6:55 PM
Subject: PR: McDuffie Calls for Action on Bloomingdale Flooding
           

KENYAN MCDUFFIE

COUNCILMEMBER WARD 5

           

Contact:

Corey Arnez Griffin, Chief of Staff

(202) 724-8028

cgriffin@dccouncil.us

         

For Immediate Release:

September 4, 2012

        

Councilmember McDuffie Issues Multi-pronged Call for Action on Bloomingdale Flooding

                   

WASHINGTON, DC –Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie expressed his frustrations with DC Water’s and the city’s response to the multiple occurrences of severe flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. “Residents have been subjected to multiple instances of devastating flooding resulting in water damage to their homes, exposure to raw sewage, and personal property damage. This is an unacceptable and something must be done immediately,” said McDuffie.

                                   

Councilmember McDuffie is asking DC Water and the Mayor to establish a relief fund to compensate Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park homeowners with documented flood damage claims. “Ward 5 residents have borne the costs of multiple floods and deserve appropriate compensation for their losses,” said McDuffie.

The Councilmember called upon the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Recovery Division to conduct a damage assessment. The assessment should determine the level, scope, and type of damage resulting from the flooding and guide priorities for response, recovery, and compensation efforts.

                           

In addition, Councilmember McDuffie is demanding the following from DC Water and the Mayor:

· An around the clock presence and an all hands on deck response from DC Water to determine the source of the flooding and make recommendations to resolve the flooding expeditiously;

· An independent, comprehensive engineering study of the combined storm water system in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park;

· A flood emergency response plan to ensure that there is a coordinated agency-wide response to any future flooding events;

· An emergency meeting of the Board of Directors of DC Water to immediately address the concerns of the flooding.

“It is grossly unfair for the residents and homeowners of Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park to live with the fear of another inevitable rain event that causes more flood damage to their homes,” stated McDuffie.

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