St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved a High Water Infrastructure Grant Agreement to try to prevent flooding on Anchors Way. Speaking at a meeting this week, city engineer Tim Zebell said Anchors Way is the only access to the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Island Pointe housing development, Pier 33, Brian’s Marina, and the St. Joseph boat launch ramp. While there’s been flooding on that street during heavy rain for a long time, it got worse in recent years.
“Flooding problems have been occurring on Anchors Way for many years,” Zebell said. “Record breaking high water levels on Lake Michigan in 2019 and 2020 illustrated why flooding on Anchors Way is not an easy problem.”
Zebell said the city could hire engineering firm Wade Trim to develop a plan to prevent that flooding. One option would be constructing berms and installing a stormwater treatment and pumping system. Another option would be reconstructing the road with a stormwater collection and treatment system. Zebell said either will be complicated. The project will cost $182,000. $144,000 of that will be covered by a grant. Additionally, Wade Trim’s fee will be $165,000. Zebell said it’s all in the street budget. Commissioners approved moving forward.
