One of the remaining flood mitigation projects in Findlay is underway.

Work has begun at the Phase 2 benching site along the Blanchard River in downtown Findlay.

Crews can be seen moving dirt on the north side of the river between North Main Street and North Cory Street.

The work underway is brownfield work and soil remediation, and the benching will follow. 

Phase 1 benching was previously completed between Broad Avenue and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge, and involved floodplain benching near Swale Park, and removal of several low‑head dams downstream of Lye Creek.

Two more flood mitigation projects still to come are the new Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge – to eliminate a pinch point in the river – and the Eagle Creek Floodwater Storage Basin just south of town.

Mayor Christina Muryn says all the projects together will reduce floodwater levels in a 100-year flood event by three feet in downtown Findlay.  

Officials say the new Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge could be completed before the end of the year or early next year.

As for the Eagle Creek Floodwater Storage Basin, officials say they’re waiting on formal signing of the grant for the project from FEMA.