TEXAS TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Homeowners near Crooked and Eagle Lakes in Kalamazoo County are taking new steps to protect their property from fluctuating water levels.
Recently 66% of homeowners have signed a petition with the goal of creating create a legal lake level for the Kalamazoo County Drain Commission.
Community leaders say that move would set guidelines for accurately measuring lake levels and providing that information quickly to county officials.
As of now there are only three legal lake levels in Kalamazoo County, a designation that often requires a lengthy review process before final approval. To be considered a set lake level, multiple board meetings must take place and a environmental study period will have to go into effect before a judge makes a final ruling.
On Tuesday, February 4th, The Kalamazoo Drain Commission is holding first meeting devoted to the process, with a plan being drafted to take to a regular comission meeting in March before moving forward.
If and when drain commissioners approve the proposed plan in March, a study period will take place where county officials will be required to gather data on the lake, water levels, and surrounding watershed. Additional approaches to flooding will also be reviewed under the mandated study.
Area residents who have suffered flood damage are not currently covered under insurance and relief programs offered by FEMA. The new plan to set an official lake level could make assistance more readily available to homeowners, as well as provide clear expectations fro builders and developers looking to construct nearby.
