By Monty Siekerman
Last spring's rains caused considerable damage and inconvenience to property and people on the southwest side of Ada, especially to the campus where damage was reported to be $1 million.
A project is now in the design stage to fix a perennial problem whenever high rains occur.
The project will relieve flooding on West Lima Avenue and the campus retention ponds near the stadium and west of Fraternity Circle.
But, current thinking means trees will be eliminated in the heart of campus, an area known as the Tundra. Construction crews will be in the way and dirt/mud will be a temporary eyesore, but flooding must be resolved.
The expense will be substantial, but ONU has agreed to carry the brunt of the cost.
A large storm sewer, measuring 36 and 48 inches in diameter, will be placed from the retention pond west of Fraternity Circle, east along the north side of the Tundra to Union Street, then north on Lincoln to tie into a large line at that location.
