Feather Creek project finally underway

CLINTON, Ind. (WTHI) - It's a project more than 70 years in the making, and for Leonard Akers, it's one he never thought would come.

"You always wanted to hope so, but you never knew because it's been going on for so long with the letter writing, and the phone calls, and the tenant meetings," said Akers.
     
Leonard was born and raised in a home along Feather Creek in Clinton, Indiana.
     
Growing up, he experienced the destructive floods from the overflowing river.

"It's caused a lot of devastation in the neighborhood over the years." said Akers. "Where we actually lived, the basement was full many, many times and we've lost several furnaces and water heaters."     
     
There have been many times where work on the creek was planned, but every time a problem came up.
     
In the end, all those letters, phone calls, and meetings finally paid off.

"We had residents come out and support," said Kristy Jerrell, the grant administrator. "The huge public meeting that we had at the end of 2011 I think truly made the difference. The Army Core {of Engineers} truly realized that this project had to go."
     
The work is still in its beginning stages. The first step is to relocate the sewer line running along the river.

From there, electrical poles and trees will need to be cleared. This will allow the Army Core of Engineers to widen and deepen the creek.

"This is a great day for the citizens of Clinton and they deserve this and I'm glad to see this happen," said Jack Gilfoy, mayor of Clinton.
     
In a sign of change, the first water to hit this ground comes from the efforts of the folks who live on it.

"My tears today are tears for the city and all the residents," said Jerrell. "I'm so happy for them that they're going to be able to finish this project, finally."

Officials say the work should be completed in six to eight months.