Canton approves H&H flood‑resiliency study; staff to proceed while FEMA funding is pending

The Canton City Commission authorized HDR and JSA to begin a hydrology and hydraulics (H&H) flood‑resiliency study, with the work proceeding in parallel with FEMA grant applications. Commissioners stressed the decision allows the city to move ahead instead of waiting for uncertain federal awards.

City staff said the H&H study will update prior analyses and inform potential construction fixes in areas north of the city where stormwater collection contributes to flooding on Cedar Street. Staff described the study as approximately an $88,803 cost (transcript: “Yeah. It's it's 88. 80 3. That's about 3,000.”) and said the project was previously awarded on Oct. 7, 2024. The staff noted FEMA funding is not guaranteed and that starting the study now risks non‑reimbursement if FEMA later declines to fund work performed before an award.

Public comment during the meeting emphasized repeated flooding to homes and yards near the high school and railroad tracks. Residents described buried tiles, blocked culverts and recent railroad maintenance rock piles that they say have worsened local drainage. Vicky Hookstrom said the area had “been flooded at least 3 times” and urged the commission to move on mitigation.

Commissioners discussed timelines and funding. Staff said the study is expected to be a three‑month effort and that adjacent jurisdictions and industrial stakeholders were also included in the scope to assess whether the regional project remains viable. A motion to begin the study was made and seconded; the commission approved the item in roll call shortly afterward.

Next steps: staff will start the H&H study with HDR and JSA and submit FEMA applications concurrently for construction funding. The city will track reimbursement risk and report back if FEMA awards arrive that cover completed work.