DEAR WAYNEDALE READERS
The City of Fort Wayne continues to find ways to protect the community from the risk of flooding. The City’s Flood Control Department will upgrade its current automated flood warning system with new hardware. The National Weather Service has awarded Fort Wayne with a $95,000 grant to complete the work.
The flood warning system alerts City personnel to flooding risks and allows for proactive mobilization of workers and equipment to fight floods. As all of us know, we have experienced a series of damaging floods over the past few years. The City has taken several steps to improve flood fighting. The improvements include new river forecasting sites on all three rivers, new levee patrol packets, updated manual flood gauges, and additional storage space for filled sandbags to name a few.
Later this fall, City Utilities will present a plan to City Council on how to use local resources to reduce the risk of flooding in high-risk areas. The plan calls for flood protection projects along the St. Marys River, Fairfield Ditch and Spy Run watershed. Additional improvements would include purchasing chronically flooded properties, addressing drainage problems and meeting storm water quality regulations.
We were also fortunate to receive a $50,000 grant from the State of Indiana to help with the cost of purchasing biodiesel fuel. More than 300 City vehicles that previously ran on diesel now run on biodiesel. Biodiesel reduces air pollution, petroleum consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and oil dependence. The conversion to biodiesel is part of my “Green City” initiative. In February, we announced a series of programs aimed at improving government services and making the City more environmentally friendly.
Leaf pickup season is underway. Just a reminder that leaves should be raked to the park strip area or placed in brown biodegradable yard waste bags and set at the curb for collection. Be sure to visit the City’s website, www.cityoffortwayne.org or call the Leaf Hotline at 427-2302 for locations of where crews will be picking up leaves each day. Signs will also be posted at work locations. You should have received a Leaf Pickup map and schedule in your September City Utilities bill. If you use biodegradable bags, call the Street Department at 427-1235 for pickup within two business days.
Thanks to each of you for helping us build a better city.
Graham Richard
Mayor
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