Good News on Flooding and Biking

From WKOW

http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8821133&nav=menu1362_2

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk announced Monday the county has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a consultant to study the feasibility of constructing a new recreational trail from Lake Farm County Park to McDaniel Park in the Village of McFarland. The study is funded by the 2008 County budget. Firms interested in submitting proposals for the $66,500 RFP have until September 3rd to do so.

In addition to exploring additional recreational opportunities, the study will also analyze flows through an existing railroad trestle on the Yahara River near Lake Farm County Park to determine if widening the existing structure may help to improve water flow and help minimize the impacts of flooding during high water events upriver. A wider railroad bridge may also improve the ability of boats to move between the two bodies of water.

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The railroad corridor is currently owned by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and leased by Wisconsin and Southern Railroad Company.

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"We are excited to see this planning effort move forward that may reveal steps that can be taken to reduce flooding over the long term on Belle Isle and Lake Monona," said Supervisor Robin Schmidt.

The Yahara Lakes Advisory Group also has recommended studying the effects of widening the existing railroad trestle to improve water flow on the Yahara River. In addition, students from the University of Wisconsin Madison Engineering Department recently completed a flow analysis of the river at the railroad trestle that suggests a widened opening could lower upstream water levels during flood events.

"The trestle may be key to addressing flooding and I'm interested in providing boaters, anglers, joggers and bikers more opportunities. This study will provide us answers so we can determine the best approaches on addressing these needs," said Supervisor Patrick Miles.

"This seems like it could be a very common sense solution to help us better manage water levels and reduce flooding on the Yahara chain of lakes," said Supervisor Brett Hulsey, Chair of the Lakes and Watershed Commission.