Genesee County Residents Fed Up With Ongoing Flooding Problems

It’s hard to believe that almost a week after heavy rain caused flooding that some areas are still under water, and many roads are still closed. Just imagine what it would be like to deal with flooding and water damage almost every time we get a decent downpour. That’s the case for many residents in Genesee County, and they are over it.

Grand Blanc Residents Say Problem Is Getting Worse

In Grand Blanc Township, one homeowner says what happened over the weekend wasn’t just bad, it was the worst he’s ever seen. Jim Short told Mid-Michigan Now that his backyard looked more like a lake, with about four feet of standing water at one point.

READ MORE: Michigan Flooding Closes Roads, Strands Drivers

And here’s the part that really gets people fired up, this isn’t new. He says this has been happening for years, actually about a decade now, with flooding hitting the neighborhood multiple times every year. Spring, fall, heavy rain, it doesn’t seem to matter. And despite studies and promises from officials, he says nothing has really changed.

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According to Short, the drainage system that’s supposed to move water out of the area actually runs right through his backyard. But when heavy rain hits, it doesn’t drain, it backs up. He says instead of water going down, it shoots up out of the drains and spreads across yards like a fountain.

Aging Drain System Raises Costly Questions

Meanwhile, the Genesee County Drain Commission says the recent storms overwhelmed systems all across the county. They also point out that part of the problem is aging infrastructure, including a drain extension built back in 1939 that may need a major upgrade. But that could have a price tag of around eight million dollars.

READ MORE: Sinkhole Triggers Long-Term Road Closure in Genesee County

But for the people living there, hearing about costs and studies isn’t exactly comforting. Short says basements in the neighborhood have been flooded out more than once, and now there’s growing concern about what this is doing to property values. He says if homeowners were completely honest about the situation, they might not even be able to sell.

What Residents Want To See Happen Next

At this point, residents say they just want real answers and real action, because for them, this isn’t a rare situation. It’s becoming a pattern. And every time it rains hard, they’re left wondering if it’s all about to happen again.