FLOODED ROADWAY BLOCKS BACK FORK RESIDENTS

(11/18/2004)

At least three Back Fork families are cut-off when it rains, their access road flooding, according to property holder Bob Beall. A creek runs across the rock-base road, flooding the roadway up and down the hollow.

The section is about two and one-half miles off State Route 16 at Big Springs.

Beall said he has offered to purchase a drain pipe if the Department of Highways will do the project. He has been trying to get the job done for a couple of years, he said.

He said officials have said permits must be obtained from EPA and the Corps of Engineers.

"I have gone through all the channels I know about," said Beall, but so far we still have a problem.

He expressed concern for individuals who have health problems who need to get out, but "Down this road is the only way out."