State of emergency declared in Monongahela

By Eric Seiverling

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Monongahela Mayor Greg Garry ordered an emergency declaration Friday night for a portion of the city after a collapsed sewer drain and heavy rains flooded the city’s fire and police stations last week.

The declaration covers the area of West Main, Lebanon and Sixth streets along the Monongahela River, and will be in effect for five days unless extended by a majority vote by city council.

An extension of the emergency declaration will be on the agenda at council’s next meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The declaration directs all Monongahela departments to render any and all required and available assistance to the emergency area to correct, repair or replace the stormwater pipe, which is located underneath railroad tracks owned by Virginia-based transportation company Norfolk Southern Corp.

The declaration also allows residents, businesses or any government entity impacted by the floods to seek assistance from state and federal agencies.

All competitive bidding and advertisements and notice requirements are also suspended.

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