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HILO -- Three Army Corps of Engineers projects prevented $23 million in damage on the Big Island during the Nov. 1-2 flooding, the corps said. Big Isle damage
held back by flood-
control projects
By Rod Thompson
Star-BulletinThe Alenaio Flood Control Project through downtown Hilo, which cost nearly $16 million on completion in 1998, paid for itself by preventing damage of $20 million, the corps said.
The estimate was made by noting high-water marks and other data.
The Wailoa Stream Flood Control Project, in the area of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, prevented damage of $1.5 million, the Corps said.
In Pahala, the Paauau Stream Flood Control also prevented damage of $1.5 million.
All three of the projects were themselves damaged and will require about $1 million to fix.
Despite the effectiveness of the projects, damage from the flooding has been estimated as high as $30 million.
That was primarily due to flooding in other areas where no flood control project was in place.
In other matters relating to the flooding, the U.S. Small Business Administration was to distribute the first disaster loan checks to home and business owners in a ceremony today.
And the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that it and other agencies will open a Disaster Recovery Center at the Pahala Community Center between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. tomorrow and again the following Friday.
Residents and businesses seeking grants and loans for losses should register with the agency before going in person by calling 1-800-462-7585 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The American Red Cross Family Service Center in Hilo will move from the lobby of the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium to the Butler building in the back of the auditorium Saturday.
The Red Cross has interviewed 258 families about disaster-related needs and has conducted 115 home visits.