Detroit program to reduce basement flooding from storms
DETROIT (AP) — Detroit is starting a program to reduce chronic basement flooding during intense storms.
The program initially will target two neighborhoods and later expand to others, Mayor Mike Duggan said.
The strategy follows major rain events last summer that left thousands of basements flooded across the city.
Backwater valves or sump pumps will be installed in basements of homes. The valves open only when sewage is leaving a home. Sump pumps move water from a basement’s lowest point out of the home.
The initiative will be paid with federal money, up to $6,000 per household.
Phase one will launch in spring in the city’s Aviation Sub and Victoria Park neighborhoods. Phase two will start in summer in nine other neighborhoods.
A state of emergency was declared for Detroit and surrounding Wayne County communities following daylong rain in late June that flooded freeways and streets. More than 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) of rain fell in parts of the Detroit area, overloading sewer systems and flooding basements with rain water and sewage.
A few weeks later, another storm caused even more flooding.
Related News
From Archive
- OSHA issues 16 citations following fatal sewer confined space incident
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Contractor gas line strike triggers home explosion in Missouri
- LA recovery reports call for $650 million power line burial, major utility upgrades in Pacific Palisades
- Comprehensive microtrenching FAQ: Key insights on the Vermeer MTR516 microtrencher
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion

Comments