The City of Parkville is looking to be up to date in the latest in stormwater abatement techniques through a new partnership.
The board of aldermen approved an agreement with Mid-America Regional Counsel (MARC) on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
According to director of public works Alysen Abel, the Kansas City Metro Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) developed regionally recognized engineering standards and construction specifications. The chapter formed a task force committee to review the existing stormwater engineering standards and planning guidelines. It’s a multi-year effort requiring the hire of a consulting engineer to research rainfall data for the region. The effort will also require community involvement to update the stormwater requirements. The chapter engaged MARC in 2021 but the project was delayed until recently and is now ready to move forward.
Abel said APWA engineering standards and specifications have been adopted by the majority of the communities in the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Parkville. Many communities in the region have committed to financially support the effort. The financial level of support is based on the population of the community. Communities with a population of less than 10,000 are asked to contribute $5,000.
In other stormwater news, the city also submitted an application to Platte County for its annual stormwater grant program. The application seeks to make stormwater improvements off North National Drive where an individual’s property is being affected by stormwater runoff.
There is considerable stormwater runoff coming onto the property from nearby Crooked Road. With the construction of the public infrastructure for that phase of the National subdivision, the connection to the enclosed storm sewer system was not made. Stormwater is directed onto their property, causing ponding and erosion issues. The homeowner worked directly with Platte County Public Works staff to find a solution to their stormwater runoff issues. Platte County developed a simple solution to address the stormwater issues. The city does not have funding available for this project.
Based on conversations with Platte County staff, there have been grant applications approved with little to no local match for the stormwater grant program. Furthermore, the homeowner, HOA and developer do not have funding to contribute to this effort. Platte County staff encouraged the city to apply for the grant application with no local match.