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Project Description |
This project
addressed a serious problem of surface water drainage within the city
limits. A combination of flat terrain, poorly drained soils, filling of
road ditches, deteriorated storm sewers and land development were all
causes of the problem. The result was frequent ponding of water in
streets, drives, yards, and ditches; and some flooding of buildings
including residences and businesses.
Efforts by the City
and property owners to clean ditches and dig trenches to remove the
water proved ineffective over the years. A survey conducted by the City
in 1995 confirmed that residents were in favor of making permanent
improvements to remedy the problem. In 1996, with public support and
documented planning, the City Council made the decision to hire an
engineering firm to study the problem and identify a solution. The
report provided recommendations to improve drainage in the city, and
broke the project down into 5 improvement areas, with cost-estimates for
each. The city then prioritized the 5 areas for planned improvements,
and initiated a plan to pay for the project.
Significant progress
was finally made in 2001-2002 when the city applied for and received
funding through the CDBG program. The scope of the project addressed
all 5 priority areas. Although this project took nearly 8 years to
complete, residents are very satisfied the project is now complete.
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