‘We can’t keep going through this.’ Pa. Gov. Shapiro visits flood sites in Somerset County

Gov. Josh Shapiro visited southern Somerset County on May 27 to speak with residents and see first-hand the flood recovery efforts that are underway in Garrett and Meyersdale.

As much as 7 inches of rain fell May 13 in this part of the county, causing flash flooding and significant damage to homes and property in these communities, as well as in Salisbury and parts of northwestern Maryland.

The flooding also damaged a bridge over Piney Creek along Route 219 in Boynton, disrupting the main corridor of motor vehicle traffic from Meyersdale to Salisbury and into western Maryland. A temporary bridge opened on May 24 to restore traffic in that area until a replacement bridge is built.

Why Shapiro came to Garrett

“I wanted to be here and let the community know that I give a damn about them,” Shapiro said as he stood in the middle of a recovery effort at Dub’s Bar and Grill, in the heart of Garrett, that got about four feet of floodwater inside about two weeks ago.

“I wanted to see this with my own eyes because it gives me ideas on how we might be able to help rebuild. So, for example, we were down at the ballfield (that was under water during the flood) and I’m already thinking, ‘OK, who do we know who we can ask to maybe donate some of the good dirt we need so these kids can get out and play?'” Shapiro said.

“I have four kids. My kids all play sports. So when I see it, it kind of just crystallizes the need. And I want the community to know we care about them.”

Shapiro spoke with some flood victims and toured the town’s playground and Dub’s, both of which were devastated by the flood May 13. He moved on to Meyersdale to speak with some residents there.

Tammy Miller, co-owner of Dub’s Bar and Grill, told Shapiro there is a problem with flood control in Garrett and this most recent flood is just one in a series, although the worst of them. “Something has to be done. I keep saying I’m leaving, but we’ve lived here a very long time. We can’t keep going through this.”

Miller told the governor that she understands the issue with the overflowing water in the local streams, but the question is, “Is this going to happen again?”

Shapiro responded: “Let’s figure it out.” He turned to his team and nodded.

He congratulated Donald “Butch” Walker, the town’s mayor, for his efforts. He told many who were at the pub that he was sorry to have to meet them in such a situation.

“I know it’s hard,” Shapiro said, indicating several times that the state has residents’ backs and help is available.

Reporting by Judy D.J. Ellich and Beth Ann Miller, The Daily American / The Daily American