KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Last month was the wettest April in the last 136 years in Kalamazoo County.
Climate change is one reason, and that’s why the Kalamazoo County Drain Commission plans to install storm drains in the area between Lulu and Prouty on the Northside, where backyard flooding has become a regular issue. It was a project they had on their agenda before April’s storms.
Drain Commissioner Jason Weirsma says Kalamazoo County, the city of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo Township are funding the project.
Kalamazoo City Utilities Director James Baker says they are checking elevations on other streets nearby to see if similar projects are possible.
It’s just one of several projects Baker has announced to improve storm water drainage citywide over the next few years.
The Northside Association for Community Development hosted a presentation on flooding mitigation issues last night and Wiersma got a few of the impacted homeowners to sign easements, allowing the project to move forward.
They hope by removing the water from backyards, they may also mitigate some basement flooding in that area.
Comments