Goose Creek flood plain may be narrowed

Logansport, Cass County and state officials are working together on a project that would reduce the impact of sudden flash floods on the city’s south side.
Last week, Mayor Dave Kitchell, Deputy Mayor Mercedes Brugh and Street Commissioner Tony Shanks met with an engineer from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Other officials who attended were County Highway Engineer Jeff Smith, Cass County Emergency Management Agency Director Alvin Beckman, Plan Director Arin Shaver, Assistant Planner Austin Brass, who administers the federal flood plain insurance program for the city and county.
Darrin Miller of the IDNR’s Division of Water detailed a “double-ditch” plan that would widen Goose Creek’s entry point into the Wabash River from South Cicott Street north to the river. Miller said the plan would involve the removal of two footbridges along the creek, but ultimately would reduce the flood plain and the need for many residents in the current flood plain to purchase additional insurance.
“We’re grateful to the IDNR for identifying this project in Logansport because Goose Creek can flare up quickly when a major thunderstorm strikes,” Mayor Kitchell said. “Ultimately, this also reduces the strain on our storm water system if we can be assured that backflow from the Wabash will not push the flow deeper into the south side.”
Kitchell met Friday with Jodi Coblentz, the former Cass County engineer who is now the city’s engineering consultant, to discuss the project. Several other portions of the Goose Creek watershed may be addressed as well, Kitchell said, including the segment around Fairview Park and upstream east of Humphrey Street.
“I think a mutual concern for us is the impervious surfaces in the middle of the flood plain that accelerate the water table in residential areas in the south side. We’re pleased the county is involved with this because it is a joint city/county problem. With the IDNR taking the initiative, we can work together to resolve a longstanding problem on the south side for many residents.”



Press Release, Mayor Dave Kitchell