Legislation authored by State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, to solve the problem of flooding on the Little Calumet River was signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Little Calumet floods have caused millions of dollars in damage to property. As flood disasters continue, some Lake County residents have seen a rise in their flood insurance rates. Under House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1264, property owners in the flood zone will contribute to rebuild and repair the levees that protect against flooding.

“Flooding in the Little Calumet River Basin has been a persistent, expensive problem for Lake county residents,” said Soliday. “This legislation will bring desperately needed flood relief, helping protect homes and businesses from frequent flood disasters. This is a major step towards reining in insurance rates, as well as removing the huge financial burden floods place on local communities.”

Under the provisions of HEA 1264, the Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission is responsible for managing the flood control efforts. In addition to the appointments made to the Commission by the Governor, the bill expands to give more local control.

The commission will be expanded from five to nine members with one nomination made by the mayor of Gary, one by the mayor of Hammond, and two by the Lake County commissioners.　Each member must have experience in a field related to flood control, construction, or project management.

To fund flood control efforts, each property owner who pays property taxes will make an additional payment. Residential properties will pay $45 per parcel, $90 for agricultural, $180 for commercial, and $360 for industrial and utility.　An estimated $7.3 million will be available each year to use for the operation, repair, and maintenance of flood control systems.

To ensure every community has its voice heard, the legislation also establishes the Little Calumet River Basin Project Advisory Board. The board will be comprised of members appointed by the executives of each municipally in the watershed. The county commissioners also appoint one member. To qualify, each member of the advisory board must have experience in designing, constructing, maintaining, or managing drainage or flood control facilities in the watershed.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure all the stakeholders will be involved,” said Soliday. “State lawmakers and local officials from both parties have come together to the benefit of every property owner in the Little Cal watershed.”

HEA 1264 will go into effect July 1, 2012.

Posted 3/14/2012