(La Porte County, IN) - Residents of a large subdivision in La Porte County will see relief from longstanding problems with flooding.
On Wednesday, the La Porte County Commissioners approved a bid of slightly more than $1 million to improve drainage at Meadowview Estates.
Commissioner Joe Haney said many of the residents operate two sump pumps at a time from spring to fall to keep their basements dry and keep an extra one in stock to plug in right away should one of their sump pumps go out.
“I’m glad we’re finally moving it forward here,” said Haney, who made addressing the issue a top priority after taking his seat on the governing body for the first time last year. The bid submitted by Woodruff and Sons Construction of Michigan City was about half as much as the next lowest of the five other proposals.
Haney said the plan is to run a drainage pipe about 1,000 feet to carry excess stormwater from the subdivision three miles south of La Porte to Kingsbury Ditch. He said the project would also alleviate flooding from other developments, farmland, and roads in the surrounding area.
Haney said flooding became an issue several years ago when the subdivision expanded and other developments emerged around it. As a result, the area with a high water table began holding more water than it could drain.
“It’s just kind of a culmination of a series of unfortunate events that led to the position they’re in today,” Haney said.
Haney said the hope is to begin the project as soon as possible.
The commissioners also approved a bid for about $800,000 to repave Fail Road from 200 North to 1000 North. The two-lane, at times winding road, is the main artery to La Porte for many residents living in northern parts of the county.
Haney said the funding would come from about $2 million available this year for road projects in the unincorporated areas. Rieth Riley Construction out of La Porte was awarded the bid, which was about $800,000 less than the next lowest bid.
“It was another win for the taxpayers,” Haney said.
