By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
County to get more funds to cover flood damage costs
Agreement with state brings federal dollars to county
new deh flood main pic web
Pictured is flood water crossing West Barton County Road in the spring of 2015. The county will receive more federal money to help pay for damages to flood-damaged roads and bridges. - photo by Tribune file photo

 It was a bit of good news.

Barton County is eligible to receive more federal dollars to cover damage to roads and bridges following the flooding two years ago this spring, County Engineer Barry McManaman told the County Commission Monday morning.

“I think it’s a good deal for the county,” he said. The roughly $8,400 is federal money funneled through the Kansas Department of Transportation.

“We can’t say no to more money,” commission Chairwoman Jennifer Schartz said.

Barton County experienced damage to various roads and bridges after flooding in May and June, 2015, totalling an estimated $133,635.52. Both the county and KDOT approved an agreement for federal funding to cover repair costs, with an initial reimbursement of $90,974. 

However, in July of last year, additional federal money was identified. So, a first supplemental agreement approved by the county brought reimbursement amount to $107,625.85, McManaman said.

Now, he said, KDOT requested the county approve a second supplemental agreement, raising the reimbursement to $116,031.  

The deal is a good example of cooperation between the county and the State of Kansas, McManaman said.

The damage included water flooding  roads and washing out soil around bridges on county-maintained blacktops. The thunderstorms, heavy rains and flash flooding in the spring of 2015 resulted in a Federal Disaster Declaration on July 20, 2015.