Burlington County remains under a state of emergency as power restoration and cleanup continues in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaias.
Thousands of homes and business in Burlington County remained without power during the afternoon of Aug. 5 and emergency management officials began assessing surveying storm damage throughout the county in anticipation of a possible application for federal disaster assistance.
To become eligible for federal assistance the county and entire state must meet federal thresholds for damages and storm-related expenses. If that occurs, the state can request a federal disaster declaration from the White House. The federal government typically reimburses states and local governments with 75% of their storm-related expenses if a federal disaster is declared, according to information provided by the county.
“It’s still very early in the process, but we know Burlington County was hit hard by this storm,” Freeholder Dan O’Connell said in the statement. “We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure our towns are reimbursed if aid becomes available.”
Power outages
A total of 49,000 Burlington County properties were still without power in the afternoon of Aug. 5.
Willingboro and Pemberton Township had the most properties awaiting restoration, but several others still had significant outages remaining, including Edgewater Park, Medford, Burlington Township, Evesham and Mansfield. Each of those towns had at least 2,000 properties without power.
Several long-term care communities were among the properties impacted and some remain unrestored on backup generators.
Clare Estates in Bordentown had its power restored on Aug. 4, but Powerback Rehab is operating on backup generators, according to the statement.
Utility companies have indicated most homes are expected to be restored by Aug. 6 or 7.
Public Service Electric & Gas has established a comfort station at the Kennedy Center on John F. Kennedy Way in Willingboro and outside the Lumberton Municipal Building on Municipal Drive where impacted residents can pick up ice and water.
Power at Burlington County’s administration buildings on Rancocas Road was restored Aug. 5, but two wastewater treatment plants and several pump stations are still without power in Evesham.
Parks
All county parks opened on Aug. 5, though some of the restrooms were closed because they were without power.
The Ravine Trail in Smithville was also closed due to fallen trees.
Flooding
Emergency management officials continue to monitor flood gauges along the Rancocas Creek. None are near action or flood stages.
Road closures
Nine county roads are still closed due to storm damages.
The roads are:
- Crowshaw Road, between Jones Mill and Route 665 in North Hanover
- Wrightstown-Georgetown Road, between Access Highway and Sykesville Road, in North Hanover;
- Old York Road, between Route 543 and Neck Road, in Springfield (local traffic only);
- River Road, between the water plant and bridge, in Florence;
- Moorestown-Mount Laurel Road in Mount Laurel;
- Levitt Parkway in Willingboro;
- Hainesport-Mount Laurel Road, between Greentree and Academy Drive in Mount Laurel;
- Eayrestown Road, between Landing Street and Municipal Drive, in Lumberton;
- North Maple Avenue in Bass River.