Board outlines Burkholder tile replacement and Wyland Ditch cleaning after permit approval

Chair (S1) updated the Kosciusko County Drainage Board on two maintenance projects intended to reduce local flooding and improve drainage capacity.

On the Burkholder arm, the chair and Elkhart County surveyor found an existing 15-inch private tile that the county proposes to follow with a larger replacement line to reduce flooding of pasture and farm ground. The board discussed options for a replacement tile in the 24–30-inch range, the need to keep some existing laterals connected, and the plan to produce a detailed plan & profile and cost estimate before calling a public meeting. "We're gonna prepare an estimate, and then we're gonna call our public meeting," the chair said, noting property owners contacted so far are on board with the approach.

Separately, the board reported it has received a permit to clean the Wyland Ditch (the outlet of Sherburne and Sellers Lake) and has requested bids from four contractors. Because of wildlife and spawning seasons and DNR requirements, contractors cannot begin work before July 1. The board expects to accept a bid at its May meeting and said available funds appear sufficient to cover the estimated work.

Chair (S1) emphasized that collecting accurate stationing and coordinates will help in project planning and that a phased approach to tile and ditch work will spread costs over time.