What can be done to reduce the chances of future floods along the College Drive extension?

Winneshiek County officials on Monday got another first-hand look at the changes heavy rains in June made to the north end of College Drive.

The high waters on June 22nd ripped out a metal driveway culvert along College Drive north of the city limits, dropped debris along College Drive and exposed a waterfall of rocks caused by the erosion from the rain.

County crews have repaired the worst damage, but on Monday supervisors discussed what should be done to prevent future problems.  County Engineer Lee Bjerke says the heavy rains left a dam of rocks and branches at one point along the bluffs west of College Drive.  He wants his crews to remove the debris so water will get back to the original channel.  However, Bjerke says the property is owned by Bruening Rock Products, so he must get their approval for county crews to do the work.

County supervisors on Monday informally endorsed the idea.  They said it is important to keep future heavy rains away from the College Drive roadbed.

This wall of rocks and trees...

...caused the creek to look like this

Damage done in June's rainstorm

County officials want to keep rainfall away from College Drive