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Harrison County and Jefferson County Receive Funds for Creek Cleanup

The Jefferson County Community Action Council has acquired $750,000 in funding for both Jefferson and Harrison counties to begin cleaning out county waterways.

This will be the third time since 2004 that the counties have been granted funding to clean debris from waterways to reduce the risk of flooding. Harrison County Emergency Management Agency Director Eric Wilson has been given the task of locating and surveying the waterways thought to need the cleanup efforts. Wilson will then send his proposed high risk areas to the Jefferson County CAC to be sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Wilson said so far he has seven locations, including; Brushy Fork Creek in Washington Township; Conotton Creek and Irish Creek in Green Township; Middle Fork, Flag Run and Sloan Run in Shortcreek Township; and a farmer’s marshland in Cadiz Township.

“There are many portions of these waterways where sticks and tires and other debris are getting stuck,” said Wilson. “They are obstructing the natural flow of water. Especially if they become lodged at drain culvert under a road, the water has only place to go and it’s over the road.”

Now the two counties are looking for workers. The Harrison County Department of Job and Family Services is collaborating with the Jefferson County CAC for this jobs program. The grant is mandated to hire only people who have not worked the federally required hours. Those who haven’t worked for 15 weeks and are laid off, drawing unemployment, under-employed or displaced by flooding are eligible for the job.

According to Jefferson County Community Action Council CEO Mike McGlumphy, Jefferson County has $490,000 to hire two five-person crews. Harrison County will have $260,000 to hire one five-person crew. Both counties are also looking for supervisors and coordinators that do not need to meet the workers requirements. Jefferson County residents can fill out an application at the Jefferson County CAC building and Harrison County residents can fill out their applications at the Harrison County DJFS.

Meanwhile, communities are urged to report waterways needing to be cleaned up. Contact a township trustee to get the waterway approved.

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