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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky today announced that he has secured $500,000 for flood control efforts in Lake Station and Hobart in the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2009, which has passed both the House and Senate and President Bush is expected to sign into law. The funding will be used to address flooding problems in Lake Station and Hobart that occur when heavy rains cause water levels in Lake George to spill over into Deep River and Burns Ditch.
“Just a few weeks ago the Lake George Dam overtopped and flooding occurred along Deep River and Burns Ditch,” said Visclosky. “Repeated floods from Lake George have caused considerable personal and financial hardship to the residents of Lake Station and Hobart and I am happy to provide federal funds to protect people’s homes, businesses, and general wellbeing.”
The two municipalities are working together to develop a flood control plan that mitigates the flood problem at Lake George by removing debris from Deep River and its watershed, stabilizing the river banks, upgrading water management structures, and investigating other preventive measures. The efforts are intended to lessen the overall risk posed to residents and structures by flooding and reduce reliance on funding from disaster declarations.
“As a child growing up, I remember the same area flooding, so this has been going on for forty plus years,” said Keith Soderquist, Mayor of Lake Station. “Knowing this has been a problematic situation in heavy rains, I was quite surprised that it was never truly addressed. By working with Congressman Visclosky and acquiring these monies, we are setting Lake Station on the right path. We are putting together a comprehensive plan to address flood issues in Lake Station.”
“This is a cooperative effort between the two communities to move water between the two in a better, safer fashion, and to minimize the impact of flooding that we’ve both experienced, especially recently,” said Brian Snedecor, Mayor of Hobart. “I look forward to working with Mayor Soderquist to utilize this money for the benefit of our communities.”
“These funds will address a critical infrastructure need in Lake Station and Hobart,” said Visclosky. “I commend the two cities for working together to address the flooding problems that have plagued them in the past. I am confident that this project will help alleviate the problems associated with flooding so that people’s homes and possessions are protected.” |
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