FLOODING School officials assess damage to football field

Floodwaters covered stadium light-switch boxes several feet off the ground.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
EAST LIVERPOOL -- City school officials estimate it will take four to five months to repair damage to Patterson Field from flooding Sept. 18.
"It's amazing the damage water can do even when it's not moving very fast," Superintendent Doug Hiscox said.
He said flooding was caused by storm runoff and sewage backup during the heavy rains and also from flooding of the nearby Ohio River. A broken valve on a floodgate allowed the river water to come into the stadium, he said.
The field is covered with a layer of mud and silt. Floodwaters covered light-switch boxes that are 4 feet off the ground and ruined electrical wiring. Underground wiring must be inspected, too.
Cost of repairs
Hiscox said repairs will cost $350,000 or more, including hiring a company that specializes in cleaning up after flood damage.
Concession stands operated by the high school band boosters also were heavily damaged, ruining appliances.
Hiscox said he and other school officials are working with insurance companies and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assess the damage and they are waiting to see how much of the repairs will be paid by FEMA.
Hiscox said he and other school officials are hopeful FEMA also may reimburse the school district for lost gate and concession receipts because the football stadium can't be used.
Football teams are playing the remainder of their scheduled home games at nearby Wellsville, including a varsity game at 7 p.m. Saturday against state-ranked rival Steubenville.