Lewiston’s Highway Department Superintendent is aiming to be more proactive in addressing the town’s flooding issues.
Michael Weiss is proposing creating a new drainage division within his department to better handle the town’s drainage issues and plan improvements.
“Our current method of operation is no longer sustainable,” Weiss writes in a release sent to the Lewiston Sentinel. “Aging infrastructure, changing weather patterns, and years of deferred maintenance have placed an overwhelming demand on our existing workforce. The dedication of my current employees has allowed us to accomplish a tremendous amount, but they cannot continue to meet these increasing demands without additional support.”
This comes as Lewiston homes and drainage ditches were flooded this summer after more rounds of heavy thunderstorms. Several storms classified as “hundred-year storms” over the past few years have residents demanding improved water infrastructure in the town, with an online petition started by Sharon Bland receiving 140 signatures as of Monday.
Weiss notes that because of the current limited staffing in his department, they had been responding to complaints and cleaning areas only after problems occurred. He visited many problem areas with town Supervisor Steve Broderick, giving him insight into immediate needs and long-term solutions.
The highway department previously had a drainage division, but that was cut between 2012 and 2014. Since then, regular maintenance and ditch cleaning have been thrown to the side.
“If we reinstated the drainage division, we can get back on schedule with drainage on a regular basis, taking care of issues before they become emergencies,” Weiss said.
As part of his proposal, the new drainage division would be made up of three employees in charge of routine drain maintenance, responding to emergency flooding events, and planning infrastructure improvements. They would also maintain regular communication with residents about their drainage concerns.
The new division would also have its own dedicated budget line to cover items like:
• Perforated drainpipe
• Drainage gravel or crushed stone
• Landscape fabric
• Solid drainpipe
• Pipe connectors, couplings, elbows, and end caps as needed
• Catch basin or drain inlet
• Topsoil and sod or mulch
This action would require approval from the Lewiston Town Board, which Weiss hopes gets approved quickly to address these issues. He acknowledges that any improvements coming from this proposed change will take time, since he would need to find the right people for the job, but he committed to working with the town and residents to create lasting solutions.
“This proposal represents more than the creation of a new drainage division; it represents a long-term commitment to the residents of our community,” Weiss writes. “My objective is to build a drainage program to protect homes, roadways and public infrastructure for years to come.”