By Chris Conte
LEBANON, Tenn. - Officials in Lebanon are hoping that newly allocated money
will help them complete projects across the city meant to fix drainage problems
in flood-prone areas.
"We have filed two insurance claims since we've been here. We're scared
to file too much because FEMA can take back your house at a lower rate than
what you paid for it," says Kristi Galligan whose house on Caruthers
Avenue frequently floods during heavy rains.
The problem for Galligan is at the end of her street, where railroad tracks
essentially create a dam for any standing water. As part of a new series of projects
meant to fix flash flood problems, the city has installed an extra culvert
under the tracks so rain water has a place to go.
"We want to live without fear that our houses are gonna get flooded
every time it rains," she explains.
Last Thursday, Lebanon City Council voted to allocate $600,000 in reserve
funds for flood repairs. The projects include work on Palmer Road, Tennessee
Boulevard and Caruthers Avenue where Kristi lives.
"The hope is that this water will go somewhere else," Galligan
notes.
So far, none of the newly-installed culverts have been put to the test.
"It means now that whenever it comes, that two, three- inch rain, they
won't be worrying about flooding as much," Mayor Phillip Craighead said.
Crews will also be working
to clear debris and sediment from the city's streams to try to alleviate some
of the pressure when it rains.
