Friday, November 2 2012

The Honorable Jack Markell, Governor of the State of Delaware tours the communities covered within the fire district of Indian River to evaluate the impact of Hurricane Sandy and the clean up efforts.

Gov. Markell attends the Oak Orchard facility as part of performing his actual tour of the State surveying the impact of the departing storm.

Much of the water conditions have significantly enhanced with many, if not all, of the roadways passable.

• WBOC TV

http://www.wboc.com/story/19990705/sussex-bay-communities-clean-up-after-hurricane-sandy

Sussex Bay Communities Clean Up After Hurricane Sandy

By Michael Lopardi

OAK ORCHARD, Del. - Gov. Jack Markell arrived in Oak Orchard Friday to survey damage from Hurricane Sandy. River Road is flooded near the Indian River Bay. Neighbors spent the day removing pieces of debris from yards, including large pieces of broken docks carried in by flood waters.

"It could've been a lot worse, so we're definitely thankful for that," said Francisca Castillo, who lives along the bay.

While many people had their eyes on the ocean coast, Sussex County's bay communities saw some of the worst flooding from the storm.

Homeowners said drainage problems lead to on-going flooding along River Road. "We can't get out of here," said James Kandler. "We're stuck here. If you stay, we're stuck."

The governor's office said it was making telephone calls and taking steps to fix the drainage issues.

Meanwhile, the Delaware Department of Transportation said it hoped to reopen the Indian River Inlet Bridge by Sunday.

The storm pushed several feet of sand onto the northern approaches of Route 1, making the road impassable to passenger traffic.

• WMDT TV Channel 47

http://www.wmdt.com/story/19989660/governor-meets-with-oak-orchard-residents-looks-at-sandys-mark

Governor Meets WIth Oak Orchard Residents, Looks At Sandy's Mark

By Kody Leibowitz

OAK ORCHARD, Del. - Hurricane Sandy left her mark and communities like Oak Orchard are still cleaning up. Governor Jack Markell spent part of his afternoon meeting with residents and assessing the damages with the Red Cross. But even with Election Day quickly approaching, the Governor said campaigning comes second to those affected by the storm.

"This is much more important than any election can possibly be," said Gov. Markell.

"There's no question when people are struggling, I mean that's why any of us run for office in the first place to serve. I think again in Delaware, we were actually pretty fortunate. We were very fortunate than some surrounding states."