More Public Input To Be Sought On Jeffersonville Canal

The final route for a canal to carry storm and flood waters through Jeffersonville, Indiana is still being determined, and officials are seeking public input on the canal plan.Jeffersonville is under federal order to reduce sewer overflow and flooding. The canal has been proposed as a more attractive solution than an underground pipe.Engineers and landscape architects are currently determining the best location for the canal. The construction will likely require several homes to be displaced. Project manager Peggy Duffy says residents will have a chance to weigh in on the plan."As we go into the fall, we will have a number of public meetings where we actually request input," she says. "Currently we've had several neighborhood meetings, particularly with the Rose Hill neighborhood, which is in the canal area."Duffy says the initial planning will likely be done early next year.Duffy says once the initial planning is complete, officials will seek further approvals for the project."Once we have determined that we have decided on our most favorable alignment, there are some review processes we have to go through in terms of historic structures, under an EPA law there are some other environmental factors we have to review," she says.Designs for development around the canal and the waterway's ultimate appearance will also be subject to public scrutiny.