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City's losses top $7 million

Thursday, September 23, 2004
BY DAVID WENNER
Of The Patriot-News

Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed said yesterday that city-owned property sustained an estimated $7.4 million in damage, and he expects that amount to rise.

That figure does not include damage to private homes and businesses, which Reed said he expects will push the damage total "well into the eight figures."

The city also incurred extra costs for overtime and materials and supplies.

Reed reported that at least six row homes in historic Shipoke have damaged basement walls that put the houses in danger of collapse. He said the city has been working with insurers to evaluate and repair the homes, which were built in the mid-1800s.

On Tuesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency began setting up temporary offices in Harrisburg. But Reed instructed residents not to go to the offices before calling a FEMA field registry at (800) 621-3367 to find out if they qualify for aid.

Reed said he expected City Island parking lots and the Walnut Street Bridge to re-open by this morning. Vendors can return, but the island sustained heavy damage and "it will take weeks and weeks and weeks to get City Island back to any semblance of normal operation," Reed said.

Reed also warned that scam artists have knocked on doors of city homes and asked to come inside to apply disinfectant. No one fell for the scam, and the crooks were gone before police arrived.

Reed stressed that all city and government workers must carry identification, and he urged residents to ask for ID if they have any doubts. Residents should call police at 255-3131 if anyone suspicious comes to their home.

Reed noted that all flood areas except Shipoke have re-opened to regular traffic. Shipoke is too narrow to accommodate the vehicles of sightseers, Reed said, and only those who live there or who are involved in flood cleanup will be allowed to drive into the area.