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Hampton Springs resident asks Taylor County to clear long-neglected WPA ditch after repeated flooding
Summary
Kenneth Dennis told the board that a WPA ditch running through his property toward Finway River has been clogged for years with trees and logging debris and asked the county to remove trees and resume maintenance; staff said they will check prior approvals and coordinate with Swany River Water Management District.
Kenneth Dennis addressed the board during public comment to request that Taylor County remove trees and resume maintenance on a WPA ditch that runs through his Hampton Springs property toward the Finway River.
“My name is Kenneth Dennis. I live down in Hampton Springs… I'm asking the board if they could remove those trees so and be also be able to maintain that WPA ditch,” Dennis said, describing repeated flooding after about 10–15 years since the county last cleared the channel. He told the board logging crossings have left tops and debris that now act like a dam and said the ditch flooded his road and nearby properties when heavy rains fall.
Staff acknowledged the ditch's history, saying the board had approved cleaning in 2003 and that public-works crews completed work in 2007. Staff said they would re-check records for any special provisions that allowed previous cleanings, determine ownership and identify affected property owners, and follow up with Swany River Water Management District for direction on approvals.
Commissioners said they would seek more detail and return with an update at a future meeting once staff locates prior correspondence and determines next steps.
