Goodrich- Progress on the dilapidated century-old Wheelock & Watkins Drain is inching forward this summer.
Jim Gerth, director of surface water management for the Genesee County Drain Office, said the property surveys where the drain improvements are needed have been completed.
‘We have a proposed route of the new drain,? said Gerth. ‘The next step will be the easements necessary to move on with the project. Residents impacted by the easements should receive notification.?
The planned work is on the Wheelock & Watkins Drain’an agricultural drain, built in 1897 and which encompasses a large section of the village, impacting about 100 residents. The old drain under the jurisdiction of Genesee County has been one possible cause of flooding of several residents? homes over the past few years. About four years ago the flooding intensified, prompting village officials to engage the county drain officials to investigate the issues. As a result, in 2013 petitions were signed and in a special meeting on April 9, 2013 at the village offices, a board of determination voted 3-0 to move forward with an upgrade to the Wheelock & Watkins Drain. By law, the drain commission must move forward with the project in a timely manner. After a final project cost is determined, the drain commission will then decide how payment for the funding is to be divided.
Although several delays slowed progress on the drain project, a letter was sent in late January notifying the Village of Goodrich that the Genesee County Drain Commissioner’s Office intended to proceed with the project.
‘The title work is ongoing seeking owners who may have property impacted by the drain and the changes,? added Gerth. ‘Primarily, a detailed survey collecting data necessary to draw up construction plans in the area of the drain will be completed within the next few months. That information will be used to prepare the bid documents so contractors will have plans.?
Gerth said landmarks including roadways, sewer lines, power lines and other utilities are identified in the survey. The route includes using some of the existing lines and some new ones. The line will not follow any state or county roads.?
‘The drain will proceed with minimal disruption to infrastructure,? he added. ‘I would say early spring of 2016 work will begin on the project.?