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Allen County Drainage Board approves reconstruction of Calvin Crow Drain with ARPA funding
Summary
The board approved Doc #26-022 to reconstruct the upstream portion of the Calvin Crow Drain, a project fully funded by ARPA and expected to be completed this year. County staff said the action creates a periodic maintenance fund and clarified assessment and private-tile connection procedures.
The Allen County Drainage Board on March 5 approved a petition to reconstruct the upstream portion of the Calvin Crow Drain (Doc #26-022), Vice Chairperson Jim Orr opened the public hearing and Deputy Surveyor Emily Grabill presented photos showing sections in need of repair. The board moved and carried the reconstruction petition (motion by Rich Beck, seconded by Ron Turpin).
Residents who live near the drain spoke in favor. Norman Berning, of 7536 Hoagland Rd, told the board he supports the project and raised questions about future maintenance, filter strips and private connections. Bryan Gibson, who said he inherited his parents' farm, said the work "will benefit the farm community and improve farm production," and noted the drain connects to the Witzgal Ditch that serves a wide agricultural area.
County Surveyor Mike Fruchey said the project "will provide a long term viable outfall" and that the Allen County Surveyor's Office will work with landowners on private tile connections. Emily Grabill said the reconstruction work is fully funded by ARPA and "will be completed by the end of this year." Fruchey also said the board will establish a periodic maintenance fund to pay for future upkeep and encouraged property owners to report debris so staff can assess maintenance needs.
The board's action follows a prior public hearing that established assessment boundaries; Emily Grabill confirmed the assessments cover the whole watershed and are not increasing with this additional work. The motion to approve Doc #26-022 carried without objection, and the office will proceed with construction and periodic maintenance administration.
