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Duryea Today
By the People, for the People
Rural Towns Struggle as Disaster Funding Drops
Duryea, Pennsylvania faces levee upgrades it can't afford amid climate change impacts
Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:38am
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A small town's struggle against the rising tides of climate change-fueled disasters exposes the vulnerabilities of rural America.Duryea TodayThe small town of Duryea, Pennsylvania is battling against the increasing threat of flooding due to climate change, but with federal disaster preparedness funding cuts, the community lacks the resources to upgrade its aging levee system. Local authorities warn that it's only a matter of time before the next major flood hits, leaving Duryea and other rural towns across the country vulnerable.
Why it matters
The story of Duryea highlights the broader challenge facing small, rural communities across the U.S. that rely on federal support to protect their residents from extreme weather events. With funding cuts and a lack of a comprehensive, long-term strategy to address climate change impacts, these towns are left to fend for themselves against the growing threat of natural disasters.
The details
Duryea's earthen levee, built in the 1970s, is no longer sufficient to protect the town from the increased rainfall and flooding caused by climate change. Local authorities say the cost of upgrading the levee is prohibitive for a small town like Duryea. The Trump administration's cuts to disaster preparedness funding have left Duryea and similar communities without access to the federal grants needed to fortify their infrastructure.
- Duryea's levee was built in the 1970s.
- The town has experienced multiple major floods in recent years, causing millions in damage.
The players
Laura Holbrook
The director of the flood protection authority for Luzerne County.
Andrew Rumbach
A disaster policy expert.
What they’re saying
“We are witnessing a new normal. The climate is changing, and with it, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Duryea needs an upgrade to its levee, but the cost is prohibitive for a small town like ours.”
— Laura Holbrook, Director of the flood protection authority for Luzerne County
“We're essentially sitting ducks. The federal government needs to recognize the urgency of the situation and provide the necessary funding to help these communities adapt and prepare.”
— Andrew Rumbach, Disaster policy expert
What’s next
The recent reinstatement of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program by FEMA is a step in the right direction, but the road to recovery is long and fraught with uncertainty. Local authorities in Duryea and other small towns will continue to advocate for increased federal funding and support to upgrade their aging infrastructure and prepare for the growing threat of climate-related disasters.
The takeaway
The story of Duryea highlights the vulnerabilities of small, rural communities across the country that lack the resources to protect themselves from the impacts of climate change. Without a comprehensive, long-term strategy and adequate federal funding, these towns are left to fend for themselves against the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.