Westmoreland commissioners set 2nd public hearing on plan to reduce flooding

Westmoreland County Commissioners will hold a second public hearing Monday ahead of an expected vote on an updated plan designed to reduce flooding.

Officials are seeking comments about the new Integrated Water Resources Plan compiled by the Westmoreland County Conservation District and county planners. The public hearing will begin at 11:15 a.m. at the courthouse.

Commissioners in May conducted an initial hearing but minor revisions and an updated model ordinance that will be available for local municipalities to adopt necessitated a second public hearing, said Brian Lawrence an assistant director of the county’s planning department.

Flooding has been a major issue throughout the county, including this month when heavy storms resulted in multiple, widespread incidents of flooding.

Officials said 5% of county land is in the 100-year floodplain and nearly 9,200 residents — or about 2.5% of the county’s population — live in areas that could experience a catastrophic flood every century.

The proposed water resources plan identifies areas that are susceptible to flooding and includes interactive maps, resources and potential solutions.