Balloon Museum Ditch

Many comments have been received about the falling ditch immediately north of the Balloon Museum on N. Hwy 65/69. The south side of the ditch began falling in July after the heavy rains so a claim was submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in August. FEMA is reimbursing the city 90% for other storm-related damage including sanitary sewer damage and clean-up expenses.

FEMA’s initial reaction was to request soil tests from the area to determine if the ditch is falling due to some other reason. The city consequently hired soil engineers Allender Butzke and they found that the ditch is failing due to moisture and “fill” dirt. A culvert extension west from Highway 65/69 was the recommended solution.

FEMA representatives have advised that the city claim will be denied because the condition was pre-existing. However, the city intends to appeal that decision since storm water caused the fill dirt to collapse. We’ll not know FEMA’s decision for several weeks.

In the meantime, the ditch will be watched closely and action taken as necessary. Estimates to shore the fallen section are in the $40,000 range.