County contributes $30,000

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Jay County Commissioners followed suit this morning, committing $30,000 from economic development income tax funds to help with the local match for an Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study in an effort to find a solution to Salamonie River flooding in downtown Portland.

Commissioners had balked last week at funding the study because Portland City Council had not weighed in on the issue. That changed Tuesday night when the council unanimously approved the remaining $77,000 needed for the study.

“The last time I looked on the map, Portland was in Jay County,” said commissioner Mike Leonhard as he made the motion to assist in the local match.

Commissioner Chuck Huffman seconded Leonhard’s motion, although he added, “I do still think it’s primarily a responsibility of the city.”

Approval came on a 2-0 vote with commissioner Barry Hudson absent.

Use of economic development income tax funds was justified, Huffman noted, “because if you can’t resolve the flooding, it’s an economic detriment.”

Portland Mayor Randy Geesaman thanked the commissioners for joining in the Army Corps effort.

“By this time next year, we should have a completed feasibility study,” Geesaman said, though he noted that it’s uncertain what funding might be available from the Corps for any flood control construction that might be called for.