×

Grafius Run among Rescue Plan possible funding options

Grafius Run flood mitigation is among the American Rescue Plan fund projects eyed by City Council and the administration.

The city has nearly $25.5 million of Rescue Plan funds, with $12.7 million received and another similar amount expected in May.

City officials will hold an ARPA fund work session at 7 p.m. Monday at Trade and Transit Centre II. The meeting also is online and can be viewed remotely.

During the last ARPA funding meeting council had suggested some initial design, sizing and location of detention basins for both branches of Grafius Run, which floods frequently particularly when there are heavy rains in a short period and trash collects at the entry points at Highland Terrace and near Market Street.

Wood Engineering has done substantial engineering modeling of citywide flooding, including Grafius Run, as part of its levee work.

Wood Engineering officials are expected to soon deliver Jon Sander, city engineer, a proposal to start that work, which must also be approved by council.

To prevent flooding there now, city streets and parks and flood control employees monitor Grafius Run during high water events.

There are two cameras that provide real time water level data to these city workers, who can, when the water reaches a dangerous level, dispatch staff to man the heavy equipment that removes the trash collected at the entry point where Grafius Run goes underground near the Cochran School and near Market Street.

Other problems with the storm water discharge system under ground are old pipes that leak in places and that leads to groundwater seepage into residential basements and first floors nearby the channel, Sander said.

Grafius Run flows through Center City and empties at Hepburn Street pump station.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today