Centerville OKs funds to combat flooding

CENTERVILLE — The Centerville City Council gave unanimous approval Tuesday to funding up to $160,000 for flood control measures that have been in the works for about a year and a half.

City engineer Fred Campbell told City Council members "we're very pleased" with the plan, the costs of which will be shared by Utah Transit Authority, Davis County and Union Pacific Rail Road.

Plans for a commuter rail — construction of which has already begun — have made immediate action necessary, said city manager Steve Thacker.

"We want to get working on these culverts as quickly as possible in Centerville," Thacker said.

While the funding amounts were still estimated, the City Council authorized the mayor to approve up to $50,000 to UTA and $105,000 to Davis County. The funds will come from the city's Drainage Utility Fund and Storm Drain Capital Fund.

Campbell told council members that UTA had agreed to fund an estimated $628,000 for the improvements in Centerville. Davis County's share is $105,000 and Union Pacific's is $68,000.

"We've had to eliminate some crossings and consolidate and upsize so we can make this happen," Campbell said.

Council members praised the plan to improve and replace culverts during commuter rail construction.

"It gives me a comfortable feeling knowing we're on top of this," said Councilman Dean Layton. However, harsh criticism about Union Pacific was expressed by Mayor Michael Deamer. Deamer said the railroad isn't paying its fair share for the culverts, which he says are Union Pacific's responsibility.

Campbell said UTA is picking up what Union Pacific won't pay.

Layton suggested writing another letter to Union Pacific on the funding matter.

Campbell said work on the culverts should start soon. Commuter rail construction is expected to take two to three years, Thacker said.

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