(La Porte County, IN) - Residents tired of longstanding basement flooding gave thanks to the La Porte County Council last night for paying for a solution. The council approved over $1 million to alleviate high water problems at Meadowview Estates subdivision about three miles south of LaPorte’s city limits.

 

During the meeting, resident Rose Haite said flooding has happened at times despite sump pumps running all of the time.

 

“The costs have been heavy, but it also takes a toll emotionally. Many of us have shed tears coming home to a basement with water,” Haite said.

The money will come from the county’s share of the COVID-19 relief monies from the federal government.

 

A month ago, the La Porte County Commissioners recommended approval of the money for the project sought by the residents for several years. 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.

 

Commissioner Joe Haney said the project would also alleviate flooding from other developments, farmland, and roads in the surrounding area.

 

Several years ago, flooding became an issue when the subdivision expanded, and other developments emerged around it. The result was a high water table 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.

The hope is the contractor, Woodruff & Sons Construction, will begin the project as soon as possible, according to Haney.