Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 19, 1992 TAG: 9202190305
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
FLOOD-REDUCTION PROJECT HITS ANOTHER SNAG
The long-delayed Roanoke River flood-reduction project faces still another delay because more tests will be made on property along the river to determine whether hazardous or toxic waste has been spilled there.Construction won't begin on the project until early 1994 on the $34 million, City Council was told Tuesday.
City officials had hoped that construction would begin by early 1993, but that is unlikely, said Kit Kiser, director of utilities and operations for the city.
Consultants have recommended that more tests be made on nearly half of the parcels along the river that will be needed for the project.
If there are hazardous materials or underground fuel leaks near the river, they could be uncovered when the stream's channel is being graded and widened.
The additional tests could cost as much as $1.2 million, Kiser said, but federal funds would cover 95 percent of the bill.
The 10-mile project will be jointly financed by the Army Corps of Engineers and the city. The federal share is $20 million, and the city's, $14 million.
Kiser told council members he knows they want the project to begin as early as possible, but they also want property checked for hazardous materials.
He said that an early flood-warning system, one element in the project, has already been installed. The warning system includes rain and river gauges that alert city officials to rising waters.
Kiser said construction has already started on floodproofing measures for the sewage treatment plant.
The main part of the project will include the widening of the river channel for 10 miles, construction of three floodwalls and a 5-mile bike and jogging trail.
Kiser said construction on the channel widening will take three years, so the project won't be complete until 1997.