Design for drainage plan under way
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Ten hours after the Amherst Town Board adjourned its Monday session, representatives of the Engineering Department and the firm of Wendel Duchscherer were meeting on the design of a drainage improvement plan that will look at possible projects in approximately one third of the town.

Jim Johnson, project manager for the Town of Amherst Drainage Improvements Ditch 26 Drainage System, presented the proposal to the Board at Monday's meeting in order to secure funding.

The board approved a $200,000 bond for the project scope - $139,500 to be paid to Wendel Duchscherer.

The town is in the beginning phases of the project, currently developing a design for the scope of the work. The project will first review 12,500 acres of land, approximately one-third of the town, Johnson said.

That includes areas around Ransom, Gott and Black creeks.

"Wendel will define the project, along with the assistance of the Engineering Department," he said. "Improvements to ditch 26 is a specific project of a townwide drainage plan."

He said the town will be reviewing steps needed to alleviate the drainage problems, including enlarging ditches, installing more hydraulically capable ditches or replacing culverts.

He said the design will be completed by the end of the year, with some work being "fast tracked." Although specific projects have not been set, he anticipates Rambling Road, will be one of the first projects.

"This is a big effort," Johnson said. "We are finally getting our arms around it. Now we'll get some answers and continue to make improvements."

He said $2 million is estimated for work in 2007, with the five-year plan costing $10 million.