Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley Thursday toured the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds in Columbia County to review repairs made after the extensive damage caused by Tropical Storm Lee last September.

Flood damage required more than $1.2 million in repairs to many structures including barns, stables, the grandstand and bleachers. It also resulted in the fair’s first cancellation in the event’s 157-year history.

“I am here to celebrate the rebirth of the Bloomsburg Fair. Today, the fairgrounds are bustling with activity, but it was a very different picture last year,” said Cawley.

Last year, the state endured three flood events over a five-week period, which Cawley said resulted in:

-- 18 Pennsylvanians losing their lives;

-- 44 of 67 counties issuing emergency declaration;

-- 1.3 million Pennsylvanians losing power;

-- Closure of 559 state roads and 145 bridges; and

-- $568 million in unemployment, counseling, loans, housing and other types of assistance provided statewide.

“Pennsylvania’s recovery from the floods of 2011 is an ongoing success story, but more work needs to be done,” Cawley said. “Leaders continue to work together here in Bloomsburg and in Harrisburg to rebuild and prepare for the future.”

The Bloomsburg Fair is scheduled for September 22-29.

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8/13/2012