WEST CHESTER — At today’s public meeting, the Chester County Commissioners approved a Declaration of Disaster Emergency, effective from September 9, 2021, for seven days. The Declaration is pursuant to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Services Code.
By approving and signing the Declaration of Disaster Emergency, Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline are taking steps to authorize Chester County’s Director of Emergency Services or his designee, to coordinate the activities of emergency response. It also directs the Acting Director of Procurement and General Services to enter into contracts and agreements necessary to meet the emergency. This includes taking all appropriate action to aid in the restoration of essential public services.
The “restoration of essential public services” helps the County to take swift measures in assessing and addressing the county-owned bridges that have been closed due to the impact of Hurricane Ida, as well as damages to county-owned trails and parks.
“Ten of our county bridges are closed, some because they have been severely damaged, and some because of road damage leading to them,” said Chester County Administrator Bobby Kagel.
“This Declaration of Disaster Emergency allows us to move forward quickly in renting necessary equipment, purchasing supplies and materials, and employing temporary workers, as needed, to prioritize the repair, or in some instances, replacement of our bridges.”
Staff in many departments within Chester County Government are helping to respond to the needs of individuals and communities that have been devastated by Hurricane Ida, including the Departments of Emergency Services, Human Services, Health, and Water Resources. Chester County’s Department of Facilities is leading the efforts to address the damaged county bridges as well as county parks and trails.
