Hurricane and Storm Cost Township A Half Million-Plus

Hurricane Irene, which passed through the area Aug. 28, along with a subsequent storm, cost the township more than a half million dollars.

And now it's a matter of waiting to see how much the federal government might provide in reimbursement.

“As of this date the cost is $539,000, which amount has been forwarded to Bucks County for submission to FEMA for possible reimbursement,” Bensalem Township Director of Administration Bill Cmorey said last week after Patch filed a Right to Know request.

Cmorey said this week that he couldn't yet provide a breakdown of the $539,000 cost. But he agreed that generally speaking the Police and Public Works departments are hardest hit when bad weather becomes a serious issue.

One of the reasons Cmorey said he couldn't break down the costs is a bit of ongoing work including the clearing of some downed trees in open space areas.

“We're certainly over the hump,” he said.

Cmorey said the township, based on past experience, is optimistic of getting some federal reimbursement.

“In the past we've done pretty good but not necessarily dollar for dollar,” he said. “We're optimistic but nothing is ever guaranteed.”

If the reimbursement doesn't come through or falls short of the need, Cmorey said the township would be forced to dip into its financial reserves. While saying he wasn't sure exactly how much the township has in its reserve funds, Cmorey said there is enough there to cover the costs.

Cmorey estimated that there have been a half dozen serious weather incidents over the last few decades, including Hurricane Agnes in 1972, that have had a similar financial impact on Bensalem.

Just last winter, Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo said in early February, heavy snow had put the township about $230,000 over its snow budget.