Drain reconstruction project near Mentone gets funding approval

Kosciusko County Courthouse.

Funding for what is being called the “largest drain reconstruction project” in Kosciusko County was approved at Tuesday’s Kosciusko County Commissioners Meeting.

County Surveyor Mike Kissinger discussed the James Welch Ditch, which is located on the west end of the county north of Mentone, stretching 11,450 feet long, and was first built back in 1904. Kissinger mentioned that it’s called reconstruction, but said using that term is that the ditch “no longer functions as it was constructed to do.”

Kissinger said there are other projects to do throughout the county, but this one puts a road block in the way before others can be completed. The project is expected to cost $357,000, which will come from the county’s Rainy Day Fund. A public hearing is planned to take place in either December or January.

For landowners around that area, the first payment will come out in 2022.