By: Ryan Duey

Phase One of the new levee project in Manhattan is 95% complete and is expected to finish by September 22. The entire project aims to provide flood risk reduction for over 10,000 people and save $28 million in residential and commercial development costs. The levee, located south of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, has a budget of $32.5 million in federal funds and $11.39 million from the City of Manhattan for Phase One.

Future phases will include a stop log gap and the closure of a 16th Street railroad crossing, requiring negotiations for easements on four properties. The stop log gap will feature 50-foot steel beams installed by a crane. The total cost of the project is estimated at $46.27 million, with the city’s share at $16.2 million and $6 million from other sources. City commissioners were informed that the project’s budget is in good shape.