Drainage District 6 proposes city partnership to replace long-neglected culvert on 800 South

Brandon Allen, speaking for Drainage District 6, asked the Lewiston City Council on Feb. 17 to consider a cooperative approach to replacing a roughly 50-year-old culvert at 800 South and Main Street.

Allen proposed that the city purchase the pipe (he estimated about $50 per foot for the required diameter) and the drainage district contract a local contractor to install and supervise the work to city specifications. The district would cover excavation, backfill, compaction and on-site supervision; Allen recommended upsizing the existing 30-inch pipe to a 36-inch pipe to increase flow capacity by roughly 50 percent.

"If the city would buy the pipe ... the drainage district, we would contract with a contractor to get it installed," Allen said, describing a split in responsibilities meant to align city ownership of road crossings with district expertise in drainage maintenance. He estimated the pipe run at roughly 40 feet now, and suggested lengthening the crossing to about 60 feet in places to improve capacity and flow alignment.

Council members and residents discussed funding and maintenance responsibilities. Council members noted the district already collects property-based drainage taxes and emphasized the need to clarify the city's role versus district obligations. Engineering and grant opportunities were mentioned as possible funding routes; several council members said staff could evaluate feasibility and budgeting options.

There was no formal vote on the proposal at the meeting. Allen asked the council to consider the concept and to let the district know whether the city would be willing to purchase pipe and coordinate scheduling; he said the district would then arrange contractors and supervise to ensure the pipe is set to the proper flow line.