Bartholomew County officials believe they may have found a feasible path toward addressing flooding concerns in the Armuth Acres and Northcliff subdivisions.
However, they also say that path might collapse at any number of places over the next several months.
For decades, nearly half of about 102 homes in the two subdivisions northwest of Clifford have sustained substantial flood damage during long and heavy periods of rain.
When residents first approached Bartholomew County for help with the problem in 2002, most backed away quickly after learning each household would be required to pay more than $5,000 to address the drainage problems.
But it was only last year that an income survey was completed showing 52.8% of Armuth Acres and Northcliff households qualify as low-to-moderate income, according to financial consultant Trena Carter of Administrative Resources Association.
While that qualifies the subdivisions to apply for grants, there is no indication at this time the monies will be awarded.
On Monday, the Bartholomew County commissioners voted to apply for a $34,650 planning grant through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).
In addition, the commissioners have agreed to provide $3,800 to fulfill a matching grant requirement, commissioner chairman Carl Lienhoop said.
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
