Engineering report reveals flawed drainage design in Wright County infrastructure

Wright County's Board of Supervisors addressed critical drainage issues during their July 7, 2025, meeting, focusing on a long-standing engineering report that has yet to be acted upon. The report, completed in 2015, was never presented to the board, leaving significant concerns about the drainage system's design and functionality unaddressed.

During the meeting, officials discussed the complexities of the drainage system, which features a series of pipes with varying diameters that do not facilitate proper water flow. The current setup includes a 24-inch outlet receiving water from smaller pipes, leading to inefficiencies that have persisted for over a decade. This piecemeal construction raises questions about the system's reliability and effectiveness.

The board also noted that the engineering report from McClure, which is now over ten years old, cannot be utilized for current planning or repairs. The discussion highlighted the need for a comprehensive review and potential redesign of the drainage system to ensure it meets the community's needs.

Additionally, the board addressed the implications of vacating Yum Village, which returned land to local landowners. These landowners are now interested in establishing a district asset for the drainage system, which would require them to cover the costs of any necessary repairs or improvements.

The meeting underscored the urgency of resolving these drainage issues, as they directly impact the community's infrastructure and land management. Moving forward, the board will need to prioritize a new engineering assessment to develop a viable solution for the drainage challenges facing Wright County.