Solution

To carry out the flood control project, the Chippewa Subdistrict of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) was formed.

The Chippewa Subdistrict is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio operating under the authority of Chapter 6101 of the Ohio Revised Code. It is administered by the MWCD Board of Directors and staff and governed by the Subdistrict court. The court is comprised of two common pleas judges, one from Medina County and one from Wayne County.

The Subdistrict was the vehicle to move the project forward, award most of the contracts for construction, and manage the maintenance.

Construction of the project was supported by federal funds. The total local cost-share for the watershed project was $2,268,000. Total project cost was $12.19 million dollars.

Eight flood control dams were constructed: five in Medina County, three in Wayne County. Four of the dams include wet sediment / conservation pools; the other four impound water only during flood times and are considered dry dams.

Channel improvements were made to 33 miles of of the Chippewa Creek and its tributaries including the River Styx and the Little Chippewa.

Funds for the ongoing maintenance of flood control structures and streams comes from the assessment of those properties lying within the boundaries of the Subdistrict, since all properties benefit.