Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, June 26, 1990                   TAG: 9006260276
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

FLOOD AGREEMENT SIGNED

"The chances of getting the rest of the federal money are very, very high. We don't expect any trouble from here on out," Olin said.

Olin, D-Roanoke, said the signing of the so-called local cooperative agreement between the city and the Army Corps of Engineers clears the way for construction of the project.

At a formal ceremony Monday, the city and corps signed the agreement that outlines each party's legal and financial commitment.

"This is really a happy day for Roanoke because this makes it possible to go ahead with the construction," Olin said.

"This project has not been easy to get to this stage because it is complicated and involves a lot of detail, but it is going to be good for the city and it is going to vastly reduce flooding," Olin said.

Sen. John Warner, R-Va., said the project will help protect "lives, jobs and the economic vitality of the city." Warner said city officials deserve a "merit badge" because of their perseverance. The project was first proposed nearly two decades ago.

City Manager Robert Herbert praised Olin and Warner for their aid, saying they helped resolve many issues that arose during the planning and negotiations with the corps.

"Whenever we have needed them, they have been there," Herbert said. City officials invited Olin and Warner to the ceremony.

"Today is the culmination of years of work. We can see light at the end of the tunnel," the city manager said.

The city's share of the cost for the project is $14.1 million and the federal share is $20.5 million.

Congress approved $200,000 in federal construction money for the project in the current fiscal year.

The House of Representatives also has approved $2.3 million for the project in the next fiscal year. The funds were included in the Energy and Water Development Appropriation bill that is now being considered by the Senate.

The initial $200,000 will be used to help pay for an early flood-warning system.

Lt. Col. Thomas Suermann, commander of the corps' Wilmington district, said installation of the flood-warning system will begin this year and be completed by early next year.

The project involves widening the river channel and constructing flood walls at several places along the 10-mile stretch of the river within the city. It also includes a 4.6-mile bicycling and jogging trail.

Construction of the channel widening and flood walls will not begin until late 1991 or early 1992.

City voters approved a $7.5 million bond issue last year to help pay the city's share. The remaining $6.6 million in city funds will come from several sources, including earlier appropriations and land donations.