Allen Township Board of Supervisors Engineer Brien Kocher discussed plans at its March 10 meeting to deal with the issue of flooding along Howertown Road.

Flooding has been getting worse over the years, the supervisors have been told.

Kocher said he will continue to collect data on the issue and the costs associated with a flood project.

The supervisors expect to come to an agreement in the near future that will address the issue of storm water runoff and subsequent flooding along Howertown Road, east of Nor-Bath Boulevard (Route 329).

Kocher said at times runoff water at Howertown is several inches in depth and six-feet wide. Corn and soybean farm fields as well as other crops have been affected.

"Who is expected to pay for it, you're saying it won't cost us a cent," Chairman Paul Balliet said to Kocher.

Kocher said the property owners have to be contacted as well as the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"Everything is coming out on Howertown Road," Kocher said of the flooding.

Kocher said one option involves the creation of 1,425 feet of swales, building a grass bern, which will involve dry grass creek beds which would redirect the water into a nearby creek.

The swales, the supervisors learned, would be located at the edge of farm land that is south of Howerown Road, between a self storage facility and Miller Supply-Ace Hardware.

When Supervisor Vice President Bruce Frack discussed the possibility of extending Savage Road in the future, Supervisor Al Pierce noted such an action could cost as much as $1 million. He said it would not be the most prudent action to deal with the storm water runoff.

Kocher also said 425 feet of swales would be involved, running across farm lands and slopes. Easements might be needed along with consent from the property owners.

"You're saying it won't cost us any money," Balliet told Kocher.

"I don't know," Kocher replied.

"But we have to pay you," Balliet said of the engineering work involved with the project.

"I'm in favor of that," Pierce said.

"We got to do something down there before we get someone killed," Frack added.

The board agreed action must be taken.