Officials outline plan to reroute clay tile at Owl’s Nest after backups flood farmland

Kosciusko County drainage staff told the board they are working on a plan to reroute a clogged clay tile that runs beneath the Owl’s Nest parking lot and backs water up across about 120 acres.

Jim, a staff member, said records show the building’s construction did not properly address the drainage tile there; the clay tile beneath the lot is plugged and, in places, reaches depths of about 8–10 feet. Staff said rerouting the tile onto an adjacent willing property could shorten the tile run, avoid removing many trees and reduce costs, but would require easements and paperwork with multiple property owners.

Jim said the county will generate estimates for the reroute and consider upsizing the tile "if I could," noting excavation cuts of up to eight feet could be necessary in places. The board discussed limitations on working near or under the parking lot and the need to identify the outlet and avoid damaging private infrastructure.

This Owl’s Nest item is one of two high-priority locations staff identified; the board expects staff to return with routing options, cost estimates and necessary easement drafts before authorizing construction.