Butler City Mayor Ben Smith says a project to improve drainage in Butler’s West End neighborhood is waiting on final funding approval from the state.
The neighborhood was hit hard by powerful rainfall on Saturday. A portion of West Brady Street, between Snyder Avenue and Broad Street, had to be closed to allow crews to remove the sludge, dirt and debris. That road reopened Monday afternoon.
Mayor Smith said Monday that city officials have done all they can to facilitate the Sullivan Run Improvement Project, which includes dredging the creek and replacing culverts. The city is now waiting on final approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
“We have done a lot in the last 18 months. We have prepared the work to get done,” Smith said. “That work is supposed to take place as soon as they get the permission.”
City officials are hopeful the project will begin early next year.
The mayor did also point to the natural geography of the area, which makes it prone to flooding.
“There are factors that are entirely beyond our control,” Smith said. “Butler City is in a basin. It’s the lowest point around, so all the water is going to flow into that area.”
Unfortunately, this is not the first time West Brady Street residents have dealt with flooding. Almost exactly two years ago, Butler’s West End was hit hard with heavy rain leaving many residents with several feet of water in their basements.
“Usually (flooding) is not a problem, but when we get these summer storms we see a ton of water quickly,” Smith said.
