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Long-term solutions may be coming for a southwest Indianapolis neighborhood that has long dealt with flooding.
Mars Hill is now prepped to become a flood control improvement district. If the neighborhood gets the designation a fund could be set up to address continued, significant flooding events. The move would also bring nearly 2,300 properties out of the floodplain.
Similar to a TIF district, a flood control district sets up a funding mechanism to address numerous types of flooding concerns in a community.
State legislation allowing the creation of these districts passed a few years ago. This would be Indianapolis’ third such neighborhood designation.
As part of the process, a $10 million flood control plan has been presented and includes an expansion of State Ditch and removal of a log jam.
The Department of Public Works voted for the recommendation this week. The proposal will now be heard in committees where the public has a chance to provide comments.
Reducing flooding in areas can result in better property values and lower insurance premiums for residents.
Mars Hill is designated a floodplain by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.
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