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Last modified: Thursday, July 9, 2009 2:43 PM CDT
Board commits $12,000 to drainage
by Erin C. Hevern • Daily News
The Wahpeton Middle School and surrounding properties may soon see relief from drainage issues dating back to the 1980s. The Wahpeton School Board approved Wednesday to commit up to $12,000 for a solution to flooding that often occurs west of the middle school after heavy rains or a fast snow melt.
The solution, presented to board members prior to the meeting by north side resident Mike Bassingthwaite, is described as the district’s most viable option. A quote from Comstock Construction estimates the project total at $16,000.
“As at least 75 percent of the contributing drainage area for the runoff causing the flooding is school property, I am requesting a commitment of 75 percent of the potential costs - $12,000,” Bassingthwaite wrote in a letter to the board. “I believe that I can get a commitment from some of the adjacent residents to make up the difference in cost.”
The proposed fix involves installing a drain pipe and valve from a lot adjacent to the middle school north to 14th Avenue. This would allow efficient drainage to the 14th Avenue storm sewer.
“What the valve would do - say we get six inches of rain tonight - it would remain closed until water recedes on 14th Avenue North,” said Wahpeton Superintendent of Schools Mike Connell. “It would be nice to get this [problem] taken care of.”
Connell added that school officials would have control over opening and closing the valve.
Bassingthwaite also addressed moving private utilities and getting approval from property owner Jerome Meide for the use of his property. Bassingthwaite said the main issue is the relocation of it.
“I am working with them to determine the impacts and potential costs,” said Bassingthwaite, who is also a professional engineer by trade.
The Wahpeton City Council must grant their final approval for the project in order to hook into the city’s storm sewer.
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