In the last few years, Fitchburg has experienced large storm events and is seeing record-high groundwater levels. Lake Barney is a glacial kettle with no natural outlet. Under normal
circumstances (i.e., as seen over the last 50+ years), water that flows into the lake does not leave and eventually infiltrates/evaporates over time. In 2018, water levels in the lake rose to the
point where it overflowed and continued downstream towards the Village of Oregon. One residence located near the lake was required to put up a four foot tall dike and nearby agricultural
land is submerged in water.
Currently planned timing:
2023: Wetland Delineation
2024: Design/Permitting
2025: Project Construction
2021-2030 CIP Update: Portion of project accelerated one year from 2023/2024 to 2022/2023
2022-2031 CIP Update: Revised the project timeline from 2020-2023 to 2023-2025 and updated total cost from $1,430,000 to $1,233,900 (land acquisition removed). Assumes that half of the
project costs in 2023 - 2025 will be paid for by the Village of Oregon. If the Village decides not to participate, Council will need to decide if the City would like to pursue this project on our
own. Per the City's ranking system, this is a Priority 4 project (lowest priority) because flooding is located on private property where City stormwater does not contribute significantly to the
problem.
2022 Budget Amendment (expected): Accelerated from 2023/2024 to 2022. Updated funding source 20% by stormwater rates and 80% by Congressional District Spending Appropriation
(grant).
Previously authorized funding:
2020: $60,000 (rates) preliminary feasibility study
2021: $60,000 (rates) preliminary feasibility study As of January 23, 2024, this project is included in the City of Fitchburg's FY 2024 2033 CIP and funding is allotted for construction in 2025. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.
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