November 18, 2013
11/19/13 The Marshall County Drainage Board discussed the Yellow River Bank Stabilization Project at LaPorte Street during their meeting Monday morning. This is a project that they have been working on for more than three years.
Monday morning County Surveyor Larry Fisher said funds for the acquisition of the Anthony Ross property located at 500 East LaPorte Street were located through the Kankakee River Basin Commission (KRBC).
A few years ago it was brought to the attention of the County Commissioners that flooding has caused the riverbank to erode away. Over the years several feet have fallen into the river making the stability of the home a concern.
Drainage Board member Kevin Overmyer said, “We’ve had IDEM, DNR, the Army Corp of Engineers, Donnelly and the State here and they all said they had no money for the project.” He continued, “It seems kind of odd that it’s taken this long.” Overmyer said acquiring the property using the KRBC funds will save hundreds of thousands of dollars on the bank stabilization project. After the project is completed it is anticipated that the County will give the property to the City. The commissioner said it would be a perfect fit with the new downtown park on the other side of the walking bridge.
The County Drainage Board motioned to make a favorable recommendation to the Commissioners to purchase the property with funds from the KRBC.
The County Commissioners met in their regular meeting following the drainage Board and County Attorney Jim Clevenger said the Mr. Ross has signed the purchase agreement for the property at 500 East LaPorte Street and funds for the acquisition are bring secured through the KRBC.
The average of the two previous appraisals for the property was $86,350 and funding for the closing costs would bring the total up to $87,248.
Commissioner Jack Roose motioned to enter into an agreement with Anthony Ross for the purchase of the property at 500 East LaPorte Street.
The County signed a letter requesting funds from the KRBC at will be presented at their next meeting on December 10th. It’s anticipated the funds will be available almost immediately.