City Council Debates $5.5 Million Flood Mitigation Project for Department of Public Works

The city council is currently discussing a proposed flood mitigation project from the Department of Public Works concerning the Jones and Gifford Avenue area. The project carries a total cost of $5.5 million, funded by a $4.4 million grant and requiring a $1.1 million local match. The DPW is exploring ways to reduce this local match, including seeking other grants and discussing reduced tipping fees at the landfill. The project is significant as comprehensive flood mitigation has not taken place in that area for approximately 50 years.

The resolution approving the project is up for a vote at the council's upcoming session. Council members have expressed concerns regarding the city's ongoing financial issues in relation to the required $1.1 million local match. Mark Roetzer, the DPW director, stated that passing the resolution sooner would help keep the project on schedule.