Findlay flooding fixes costly

FINDLAY, Ohio - It looks like fixing the flooding problems in Findlay won't come cheap.

If the plans go through, most of the estimated $100 million project funding would come from the federal government. The federal government would foot about 65% of the bill.

About $40 million would be funded locally.

The plan, though, is far from finished.

The plan could include things like levies and flood walls that could come in a variety of shapes and sizes, maybe even green space.

"You look at all the cultural studies we have to do for these plans," said Brian hurt, city of Findlay's Chief Engineer. "There's a financial side. If financially it doesn't make senese, it will not be recomended to Congress."

That cost needs to be measured against the damage the rising Blanchard River waters cause.

The Northwest Ohio Flood Mitigation Partnership estimates the August 2007 flood caused about $60 million in damage.

"The project will not be a one time payment," Hurt said. "(It will involve) constant maintenance."

So what about some of the properties that always seem to be flooded from the Blanchard River?

Findlay authorities are just about to close on about 18-19 properties, and they should be demolished by the end of the year.