Office Of The Mayor
Thomas M. McMahon


PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

For More Information:
Office of the Mayor 610-655-6234

FLOOD EMERGENCY RESCINDED

Reading, Pa (July 1, 2006) - At 1600 hours today, July 1, 2006, Reading Mayor Tom McMahon rescinded the flood emergency in the City of Reading. This is in accordance with the City of Reading Emergency Operations Plan for flooding.

Mayor McMahon stated that “The outstanding performance and cooperation of city, county, state, private entities, and non-profit organizations have been exemplary in both our preparation and procedures prior to and during the actual flooding here in the city on June 28. I want to thank everyone who helped deal with the flood itself, and all those who continue to help with the cleanup. Special thanks to the Reading Fire Department, and Deputy Chief Jeff Squibb for his professional coordination of emergency services, to the Reading Police Department, especially the patrol and traffic officers, the Pennsylvania Police and Sheriffs Deputies, the Reading Area Water Authority and the City of Reading Public Works Department for maintaining our water treatment and potable water supplies throughout the emergency.

I also want to thank our elected officials at all levels and special thanks to Governor Rendell for his leadership during this catastrophic event in our state in declaring a Commonwealth Disaster and for appealing to the Federal Government for their assistance. We will continue to work with all federal, state and county agencies to assist our residents and businesses in their cleanup efforts. I am confident that the citizens of Greater Reading will fully recover from this event, and with the lessons learned from dealing with the flood of 2006, we will move ahead to be even more prepared to deal with any future emergencies.”