Jeffersonville Considering Canal For Storm Water

A drainage canal planned for Jeffersonville is moving closer to reality.A recent feasibility study showed that a canal running from the Ohio River north through Mulberry Street and Michigan Avenue, then west on 8^th Street would help alleviate flooding in parts of Jeffersonville.It would cost about 52 million dollars, but utility director Len Ashack says much it could be paid from existing resources."Tax dollars are not going to be used for the canal," he says. "It'll be either redevelopment moneys, wastewater user fees moneys that have already been allocated to be used on that project, and drainage funds."Before the canal can be built, the city council must create a canal district and commission to oversee construction. The body meets again on March 1^st.Ashack says the canal would be designed as a scenic waterway to lure new development to Jeffersonville.