Posted on November 27, 2018
The city of Kalamazoo is taking a step toward addressing record flooding that brought parts of the city to a standstill in 2018.
The city wants to dredge the Crosstown ponds and the nearby creeks to try to reduce the chance the ponds will overflow after heavy rain.
Chronic flooding has resulted in significant property damage to homes and businesses over the years. In Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo County, $2.5 million in damage was done during 2018.
The city approved an agreement two weeks ago with the U.S. Geological survey to create maps to track flooding hazards.
The city said the latest proposal to dredge in the Crosstown area is an important first step to handle the problem.
Kalamazoo Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain said, “We are taking a multi-step approach: First is to clean out the ponds. Get that flow working better, clean out the pipes, the culverts. Do this detailed survey and mapping and that will help us determine what the long-term plans are.”
City commissioners will vote tonight on whether to approve the dredging plan at the regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, 2018.
If approved, the work would start early next year.
Source: WWMT.COM
