BALLOON MUSEUM DITCH

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) turned down the city’s request to fund the restoration of the ditch that is deteriorating badly just north of the Balloon Museum on Highway 65/69. FEMA’s representatives indicate that since the soil is “fill”, the condition is pre-existing and therefore not eligible. The city’s position is that fill or not, the heavy rains in July caused the bank to cave in. It has been getting worse ever since.

The city intends appeal FEMA’s decision and in the meantime, council (on December 1) will consider a $20,000 proposal from Vanderpool Const. to restore the ditch for the time being. If FEMA’s decision is reversed, the culvert may be extended west from Hwy 65/69 to remedy the problem permanently.