Cloverdale begins process of fixing drainage problems

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

CLOVERDALE -- The next step in fixing storm water drainage problems in the town has been taken.

Cloverdale is applying for a federal grant through Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. OCRA is the state office in charge of the storm water drainage-planning grant.

A representative from West Central Indiana Economic Development District was present at a public hearing held Tuesday at town hall.

Terry Jones with WCIEDD told council members and the small audience this grant is geared toward rural communities such as Cloverdale.

A salary survey was taken to determine if Cloverdale qualified for this money. It found 57.06 percent of the town's population lives within low to moderate incomes, which meets grant qualifications.

Town residents are being called upon to help ensure all problem areas are identified as part of the application process. Each Cloverdale resident will receive a survey by mail, which they fill out and return.

The surveys will be used as a tool to document areas prone to storm water flooding. It also provides the engineering firm with feedback from the community.

"Please fill those out," urged Jones.

Town council vice-president Steve Caulkins stressed the importance of residents filling out the surveys in order to have issues fixed by this $28,800 grant.

Four areas have already been identified as needing attention.

* Logan Street has insufficient drainage near the railroad tracks

* Stardust Hills has a big issue with storm water drainage, which is causing damage to the roads.

* U.S. 231 near the Dollar Store

* Cloverdale Community Park

Midwest Engineering will send crews to map current storm water drainage places. Areas to be looked at are ditches and culverts where flooding occurs.

Surveying crews will also be available for the community to ask questions or make comments on this issue.

The process started when town council compiled a "to-do" list. Number one on the list was storm water drainage, beating out sidewalk repair at number two.

The town is required to come up with 10 percent or $3,200 for the project, making the grand total $32,000 to spend on repairing drainage problems.

Once a plan is put into place, town council will give approval. Following its approval, a final presentation will be given to OCRA.

Jones estimated a month to a month-and-a-half to obtain final approval from OCRA before grant money is received.

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  • I'm sure there are a lot of people who will fill out a survey, plenty of drainage problems to get some surveys hand delivered!

    -- Posted by Xgamer on Wed, Mar 11, 2009, at 5:32 PM
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