COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Drain Commissioner Michael Hard says the high water problems of last month will likely wind up hitting the county in the pocketbook.
Hard told the Branch County Board of Commissioners during their work session Friday that the county’s appropriation that is assessed each year through the Department of Public Works will likely be higher in May 2019. Normally, the yearly appropriation assessment is $30,000 to $40,000
It’s been three weeks since nearly five inches of rain and a rapidly melting snow pack led to flooding throughout the region.
The Branch County Road Commission reported at least 20 road closings during the height of the flooding.
There is still a lot of water to drain off. Hard said the water is above summer level on multiple lakes in the county. Normally, the lakes at this time of year would be at winter level which is a foot below summer levels.
The rain event led to multiple roads being washed out such as Fisher, Wildwood, Lockwood and Shawtown Roads.
Hard says they are still getting calls every day about areas affected by the flooding.
