Flooding problem on Edwards Street has residents seeking assistance

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Flooding has been a major problem in Panaca, particularly in the area of Edwards Street, and across Third Street onto some of the property owners on that
Damage caused by heavy rains in 2013 has Panaca residents concerned.

Flooding has been a major problem in Panaca, particularly in the area of Edwards Street, and across Third Street onto some of the property owners on that side of town.

Panaca Town Council chair Gary Elmer and Quentin Gilpatrick were before the County Commissioners in Pioche April 21 asking for help.

Elmer said in 2006 a preliminary draft drainage study was done for the town of Panaca, but nothing has happened since then.

Gilpatrick, who came to the meeting with photos to demonstrate his point, said rain storms in 2013 caused major flooding in the town and all that water just channels down Edwards Street and onto his property, as well as three others who live in the same area.

?There is no drainage there and the water, near the elementary school, comes straight across to me, through my front gate and all the rest of my property,? he said. ?In the last heavy rain, it was three inches deep in my yard and 10 feet from my house, and washing out my driveway.?

Elmer said all the water seems to collect on the same corner at the elementary school, ?and we need to get something done. Pictures tell the whole story. All the drainage from the areas east of town all comes down and adds to this, and all goes down Edwards Street.?

Commissioner Paul Donohue who deals with matters of county road department said he would seek to find out what immediate fixes can be done with the means available right now, then seek engineering solutions for the future.

Commissioners said funding could be found for the work, although they did not immediately say what funds would be used.