Lakeland residents urge county help after culvert work worsened flooding

Jaden Moore, a Lakeland resident, told the Cali County Commission she and neighbors have seen recurrent flooding since a cleared lot and a larger culvert were installed at 20 Oakwood Drive. "When they opened up and put that culvert in, they moved it 25 feet to accommodate the house," Moore said, and she showed maps and photos to illustrate where flow now concentrates at a curve on Lakelands Drive.

Commissioners and county staff listened and said the county could help arrange an engineering assessment. County staff said the township controls the roadways and the drainage district has responsibilities for waterways, and recommended a partnership to fund any work. Commissioner comments noted any property acquisition required for drainage improvements would be statutory and could carry long-term maintenance obligations for the county.