City of Topeka, Corps of Engineers to hold meeting on Shunga Creek flooding study

After flooding occurred in 2007, the city asked the corps to conduct a study on flood control options, city spokeswoman Molly Hadfield said. In the 50/50 cost-shared study, the corps developed hydrologic models of past flooding, including the 2007 flood. They also carried out real estate assessments, surveys, plan formulation, construction cost estimates and economic analyses. The corps then used the data to evaluate alternatives to reduce flood risk in the watershed.

The corps will present options for potential improvements. Some of the alternatives may be eligible for federal cost share. Projects that qualify under the federal program are eligible for a 65/35 split cost between the corps and the city. There is a $10 million cap on contributions made by the corps, which includes the cost of the study and design, Hadfield said.