County Considers Drainage Districts For At-Risk Flood Areas

As Houghton County looks for ways to mitigate any future flood dangers, one problem is the cost of making sure there is proper drainage systems in at-risk areas.

Members of the Houghton County Board of Commissioners have heard the concerns expressed by residents in Ripley Falls and Coles Creek, as well as other areas, about the dangers of recurring flood waters.

The issue was discussed during the board’s regular meeting Tuesday.

One possible solution being discussed is setting up special drainage districts, where the county would levy property taxes on residents of those areas to pay for the management of the drainage system.

County Administrator Eric Forsberg said he has spoken with County Drain Commissioner John Pekkala about coming to make a presentation to the board about drainage districts.

Efforts to prevent future flooding also include working with various state agencies and applying for grant funding.