December 18, 2014 - Extra flood protection is now in place for residents of the Fernwood Avenue and Dalevue Drive neighborhood.
Chronic and repeated flooding has impacted this low-lying area along the Fairfield Ditch since the 1950’s. After another flood in the spring of 2013, Mayor Tom Henry went to the neighborhood, met with residents, and took the necessary steps to move flood protection efforts forward.
Today, Mayor Henry joined residents of the neighborhood to cut a ceremonial ribbon with sandbags, often used in flood-fighting, attached to the ribbon.
“Keeping our neighborhoods healthy creates a momentum that makes Fort Wayne a desirable place to live. I’m pleased with the improvements to protect this neighborhood from flooding and I know it means a lot to the residents,” Mayor Henry said. “I thank them for their patience and for working closely with our staff on this important project.”
Six homes were voluntarily purchased and removed from the neighborhood to create more green space to absorb floodwater. In addition, the City moved forward with installation of a larger, 48-inch stormwater pipe and additional inlets to take water away from the area, and an earthen berm to hold back high water overflowing from the Fairfield Ditch.
For more than 10 years, the City worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to find solutions for this flood zone area. It was hoped that the project could receive federal funding, but with federal funds scarce and the area continuing to experience flood events, Mayor Henry decided it was time for the City to move forward with solutions.
Crosby Excavating constructed the flood protection project for an investment of $422,000.
In recent years, the City has moved forward with many flood control improvement projects, coupled with buyouts, throughout the community. Nearly 60 homes prone to flooding have been purchased in low-lying areas, since 2008.
During those same years, the City completed flood protection in the neighborhoods of Park/Thompson, Woodhurst, Winchester Road, Calhoun/Tillman, Fairfield, and Eastbrook/Westbrook.
This week, the Board of Works awarded a contract to begin flood and stormwater improvements in the Thompson/Huestis/Maple neighborhood. The project includes sewer separation and stormwater pipe extensions along the streets of Nelson, Brookside, Taylor, Huestis, Broadway, and Maple and Lincoln Avenue.