AUSTIN, MN--All of this snowfall is leading to spring flooding concerns for Austin, but their latest concern is, just how to prevent those high waters. The Minnesota Legislature is trying to pass a $1 Billion bonding bill, and in that package, is nearly $2 Million for Austin's flood mitigation efforts.
Mayor Tom Stiehm tells KIMT they've already applied for a federal, half match grant, and if they get that, it would rule out any state funds they may be awarded. The other half of the project would be funded by the city's half-cent sales tax.
Stiehm says these things need to be done before local businesses move out, "Austin packaging is down there and they've gotten flooded out a number of times and they want protection, and you know we need to do something to protect them. They want to expand, they want to put money into their operation. It's tough to do when you don't know if you're gonna get flooded out the next year."
Stiehm says he's optimistic about at least getting the state funds, because when the Governor and legislators toured flood damage in 2008, they were very impressed with what Austin had already done with state money.
Stiehm says Austin's being very proactive, "In 2008, out of all the floods we've had, it was the second highest water we've ever had, but it was the second lowest amount of damage. Because
Austin is, we're being very proactive and we're moving houses, clearing the flood plain, we're putting up birms. We're doing things.
The Minnesota Senate voted and did pass the bill Tuesday. The bonding bill passed on a 52-14 vote. The House will vote on their version next Monday. Governor Pawlenty is still threatening to veto the whole thing.
