DOT crews have been attempting to dislodged massive ice blocks that have been covering Route 7 in Kent for the past five days.  State Representative Brian Ohler says the clean up process will continue for the coming days. Once the thawing process is complete and the clean up is over, DOT officials must then inspect the roadway for its strength and integrity. 

5th District Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty connected with Kent officials yesterday for an update on the damage from floods and ice jams on the Housatonic River. She put them in touch with a federal ice expert from the National Weather Service, who delivered a brief presentation to local officials at a meeting in Kent last night.  Esty commended the elected officials and schools leaders for their efforts in the face of an unprecedented situation.

52 individuals, representing local and statewide emergency management personnel, law enforcement officers, fire/ems officers, state and federal elected officials, school administrators, and a National Weather Service analyst attended the briefing last night.  Freezing temperatures over the past four days have held this ice jam in the same position that it has been since Saturday. 

The Kent Volunteer Fire Department has been receiving numerous phone calls about volunteer opportunities.  While they say the offers are appreciated, at this time they are not in need of volunteers.