By NATASHA BRENNEMAN
Staff writer
Heavy rain the last few weeks has led to major flooding at the Custaloga Town Scout Reservation near Carlton.
“It started several weeks ago, and we have a lot of flooding now,” said Duane Havard, an executive with the French Creek Council.
Havard said the flooding was in the area of the main entrance to the facility. A bridge used for all motor traffic into the camp was washed away when Deer Creek flooded last week.
“The crossing was set up with nine tubes that are four feet high,” said Havard. “Now that they have washed away, no one can drive across to camp.”
The loss of the drive has forced several events that were planned at the facility to be moved or canceled.
“We’re trying to figure things out,” said Havard.
He added that the organization has looked into several repair and replacement options.
The estimated cost of a new bridge to camp will be $100,000 and $200,000.
“I wish I could just pay for it, but unfortunately my credit card limit just isn’t that high,” said Havard. He added that officials aren’t sure yet how they will pay for the repairs or replacements.
Several companies have been contacted, and one possible solution is a temporary bridge, but Havard said the cost may outweigh the benefits.
“A temporary bridge will cost between $70 and $100 a day, and that doesn’t include the installation and removal.” said Havard. “Right now, we only really have units in the camp during the weekend, so it may not be worth the cost.”
The camp is split in half by the creek, and the bridge is the only access point for vehicles to the main portion of the facility.
“Even though it is only January, summer camp is of major concern for us,” said Havard.
But he is confident that the bridge will be reopened before the rush of summer campers to the facility.
“One way or another we will have things back opened by summer,” said Havard.
