Damage nears $375,000

Posted 5/9/01

Damage nears $375,000

By MaryHelen Swanson

Last week, the Chisago County Board issued an Emergency Declaration Resolution for the county as a result of significant damage to county, city, township and parks roads and facilities due to the heavy rains this spring.

Early estimates of the damage is nearing $375,000.

Of that amount, nearly $250,000 is damage to county and state aid roads (CSAH). And preliminary estimates show $50,000 damage to Kost Dam, according to information presented to the commissioners at their regular meeting May 2 by Emergency Management Director Jim Halstrom.

The city of Taylors Falls is facing damages over $65,000. On April 25, Mayor Loren Caneday and city officials issued an emergency declaration due to the rising floodwaters and threat to the cityís lift station and low lying roads and parks. The declaration was supported by the full city council April 27. It also addresses damage to the cityís water tower and septic pond systems.

The areas in Chisago County affected in the county declaration also include the townships of Franconia, Chisago Lakes, Rushseba, Nessel and Fish Lake.

The emergency declaration was to be sent to the state to be included in Minnesotaís planned request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the entire state.

Estimates of flood damage across the state are nearing $28 million.
County Roads included in the damage assessment include CR 62@460th St; CSAH 7, west of CR 62 and by Evergreen Ave; CSAH 5, west of CR 56, north of Blueberry Tr, and south of CSAH 3; CSAH 20; CR 81; CR 70; CSAH 10 by Avery Ave.; CR 65 by Fish Lake Park; CR 56 by James Ave.; CR 58 by Gallent Ave.; CR 57 north of CR 59 and CR 52 north of CSAH 3.

Commissioner Bob Vande Kamp said the flooding draws attention to the need for cleaning of culverts. He said they should be physically inspected and all debris removed. Homeowners can take care of some of this on their own each year, reducing the risk of flooding from clogged culverts.

On the upside, Halstrom noted that there would be no need for public assistance to private homes for damage because there were not 50 homes with major damage, which is required to get private individual disaster assistance.